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A comprehensive Planning and management stretegy for Tirumala abode of Lord Venkateswara Balaji, with simple,rational and doable suggestions for enabling a hassle-free darshan for the Aam Admi-common man
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SRI VARI MASTER PLAN
DRAFT REPORT 5.9.2012 HMDA_TTD
1
SRI VARI MASTER PLAN
Submitted by
Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority
September, 2012
SRI VARI MASTER PLAN
DRAFT REPORT 5.9.2012 HMDA_TTD
2
Foreword In the past, visiting religious places was purely for the sake of
religious/spiritual purposes of the individual. But today,with
modernism setting in every sphere of life, the trend of visiting
religious places has changed and it has become a sort of tourism.
Religious tourism has become part and parcel of most of the tourist
packages or actually, religious places form the major component of
tourism packages. Tourism also has become one of the major
economic activities in today’s world and the towns which depend
solely on religious activities are attracting lots of tourists and pilgrims
by offering many attractive facilities and thus earning a lot too.
Tirumala, the religious hill town in Andhra Pradesh also falls in the
similar category, famous for the shrine of the Lord – Sri
Venkateshwara. Its major economy is religious based and being one
of the most popular and powerful religious destination in India, it is
attracting people from all over the world. These changing trends have
led to a great leap in the number of pilgrims and tourists. On an
average 50,000 pilgrims visit daily at Tirumala. Though such huge
number of pilgrims is helping generate a lot of revenue, it is becoming
more and more difficult to manage the ever-increasing number of
pilgrims to Tirumala. To cope up with it, there is immense demand on
the infrastructure services and facilities offered too. Along with the
management challenges to the TTD and other authorities, even
SRI VARI MASTER PLAN
DRAFT REPORT 5.9.2012 HMDA_TTD
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pilgrims face a lot of difficulties when faced with shortage of
accommodation, services, etc. Long queues have made the situation
very troubling as devotees are forced to stand in the darshan queue
for hours.
Though TTD and other authorities have been showing great skill in
effectively managing the pilgrims and the infrastructure as and when
required, there is a need for timely intervention with proper long
range planning and implementation measures to be undertaken for
the future development. The current ‘Problem solving approach’
needs to be shifted to pre-planning approach for which this Sri Vari
Master Plan is being proposed. for Tirumala .The Master Plan
proposes action-oriented plans in several spheres of activities that
take place at Tirumala and also integrates them well so as to ensure
an effective implementation in the future keeping in view the ever
changing demand. It also tries to achieve a balance between
conservation and development in view to preserve the natural and the
spiritual environment of Tirumala.
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DRAFT REPORT 5.9.2012 HMDA_TTD
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Contents CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................... 16
1.1. Pilgrimage places in the planning context: ......................... 16
1.2 The significance of Tirumala pilgrimage ................................ 17
CHAPTER 2 NEED FOR PREPARATION OF SRI VARI MASTER
PLAN 18
2.1 The Broad Context ........................................................... 18
2.4 Scope and Limitations ..................................................... 21
CHAPTER 3 EXISTING SITUATION ANALYSIS ............................ 22
3.2 The Destination and the Journey .................................... 25
3.2.1 Climbing Tirumala Hills on foot ........................................... 25
3.2.2 Queue System .................................................................... 26
3.3 Physical Context of Tirumala .......................................... 26
3.3.1 Location & Regional Linkage .............................................. 26
3.4 Transportation Linkages ................................................. 28
3.5 Growth Pattern of Tirumala ............................................. 29
3.6 Existing Situation Analysis ..................................................... 30
3.7 Demography ..................................................................... 30
3.8 Overall Zoning .................................................................. 34
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3.9 Land Use Analysis ........................................................... 35
3.9.1 Landuse 1952 ..................................................................... 35
3.9.2 Land Use 1975 ................................................................... 36
3.9.3 Comparative analysis: Land use 1952, 1975 ..................... 38
3.9.4 Existing Land Use (1995) ................................................... 38
3.9.5 Comparative Analysis land use 1975 - 1995. ..................... 39
3.9.6 Existing Land Use (2011) ................................................... 40
3.9.7 Comparative Analysis: land use change-1995 and 2011. 40
3.10 Infrastructure .................................................................... 42
3.10.1 Water Supply ................................................................... 42
3.10.2 Sewerage ........................................................................ 43
3.10.3 Solid waste ...................................................................... 43
3.10.4 Power/Electricity .............................................................. 44
3.10.5 Non-conventional Energy ................................................ 45
3.11 Health & Sanitation .......................................................... 45
3.12 Education .......................................................................... 45
3.13 Communication ............................................................... 46
3.14 Facilities and Amenities .................................................. 46
3.15 Hair Offerings ................................................................... 47
3.16 Housing/ Pilgrim Boarding Accommodation ................. 47
3.17 Increase in pollution ....................................................... 48
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3.18 Exploitation of natural resources .................................. 49
3.19 Transportation .................................................................. 50
3.19.1 Regional Connectivity: Tirupati Tirumala & Renigunta
Transport ....................................................................................... 50
3.19.2 Tirumala Internal Transport ................................................ 52
3.19.3 Inter relation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic .................. 52
3.19.4 Modal split of Pilgrim Traffic ............................................... 52
3.19.5 Commuter behaviour, preferences and its impact .............. 53
3.19.6 Circulation Pattern of Tirumala ........................................... 53
3.19.7 Bus Services & Parking ...................................................... 55
CHAPTER 4 PLANNING PROPOSALS FOR TIRUMALA-TIRUPATI
57
4.1 Premise ............................................................................. 57
4.2 Pilgrim Movement ............................................................ 60
4.3 Need for a more effective Pilgrim Movement and
Darshan Management system (PMDM) ........................................ 64
4.3.1 Improving the access to and from Tirumala by Decentralising,
Regulating, controlling. .................................................................. 64
4.3.2 Central Facilitation Centres (CFCs) ................................... 66
4.3.3 Going in for Base Residential Camp (BRCs) concept .......... 68
4.3.4 Integrated Tirumala Entry Terminal (TET) Complex ........... 70
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4.3.5 Development of Central Logistics & Control Centre (CLCC)
73
4.4 Planning for the movement of pilgrims in the future .... 73
4.4.2 Basic parameters for pilgrim movement in the future ......... 76
4.4.3 Proposal of management of pilgrim movement .................. 77
4.4.5 Computerized Integrated Program for Pilgrim Movement and
Darshan Management system (PMDM) ........................................ 79
4.5 Tirumala-Tirupati Integrated Development Plan .................... 83
4.5.1 Connectivity to Tirumala ..................................................... 83
4.6 Tirumala Master Plan a boon for the local economy .... 85
4.7 Tirupati-Tirumala Tourism Circuit .................................. 86
CHAPTER 5 SRIVARI MASTER PLAN ........................................... 87
5.1 Planning at Tirumala Hill-top ................................................... 87
5.2 Broad Zoning Plan for Tirumala .............................................. 88
5.3 The Core Area (Temple Complex Area) .......................... 91
5.4 Activity Nodes .................................................................. 94
5.5 Transportation & Circulation Plan .................................. 97
5.5.1 Tirumala Road Pattern ....................................................... 99
5.5.2 Hierarchy of Road Pattern ................................................ 103
5.5.3 The pedestrian traffic ........................................................ 109
5.5.4 The Public Transport System Route ................................ 110
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5.5.5 Eco-friendly transportation ............................................... 112
5.5.6 Parking ............................................................................. 112
5.5.7 Traffic regulation and Pilgrim Guidance: .......................... 113
5.6 Overall Urban design treatment and landscaping of
North and South precincts: ......................................................... 113
5.7 Signages and directional Boards ................................. 117
5.8 Heritage & Conservation. .............................................. 117
5.9 Infrastructure Services .................................................. 119
5.9.1 Water Supply .................................................................... 119
5.9.2 Drainage ........................................................................... 120
5.9.3 Sewerage ......................................................................... 121
5.9.4 Solid Waste ...................................................................... 122
5.10 Energy ............................................................................. 122
Energy Conservation ................................................................... 122
5.11 Green Buildings and Green Township ......................... 124
5.12 Health & Sanitation ........................................................ 125
5.13 Education ........................................................................ 125
5.14 Landscape & Urban Forestry ........................................ 126
5.15 Climatic amelioration/Climate Change ......................... 129
5.16 Water-recycling and rain water conservation .............. 130
5.17 Disaster Management Plan ............................................ 131
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5.18 Monitoring and Regulation ............................................ 131
CHAPTER 6 PROJECTISATION OF SRI VARI MASTER PLAN
PROPOSALS ................................................................................. 133
6.1 Implementation ............................................................... 133
6.2 Summary of Projects ..................................................... 133
6.3 Way Forward ................................................................... 135
6.4 Phasing: .......................................................................... 135
6.5 Institutional Mechanism ................................................ 135
6.6 Summary of Projects ..................................................... 136
6.6.1 Task No. 1: Enhancing the power requirements for
Tirumala and Tirupati through durable, renewable and non-
polluting resources-Use of wind energy. ................................... 136
6.6.2 Task No. 2: Enhancing the power requirements for
Tirumala and Tirupati through durable, renewable and non-
polluting resources-Use of Solar energy. .................................. 140
6.6.3 Task No. 3: Development of a Comprehensive Water
Supply System for Tirumala ........................................................ 144
6.6.4 Task No. 4: Development of a Comprehensive Sewerage
System for Tirumala ..................................................................... 147
6.6.5 Task No. 5: Development of a Comprehensive Solid
Waste Management System for Tirumala .................................. 150
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6.6.6 Task No. 6: Development of a Comprehensive Storm
Water Management System for Tirumala ................................... 151
6.6.7 Development of Public Transport System –LRT/BRT
from Tirupati Town to Tirumala ................................................... 153
6.6.7.1 Task No. 7: Light Rail Transit System / Guided Bus
Transit System:............................................................................. 154
6.6.7.2 Task No. 8: Station and Terminal Development .......... 154
6.6.8 Improving the overall connectivity to Tirumala. .......... 158
6.6.8.1 Task No. 9: Development and Improvement of Srivari
Mettu 158
6.6.8.2 Task No. 10: Development of road connectivity between
Tirupati and Tirumala ................................................................... 158
6.6.8.3 Task No. 11: Development of road connectivity in within
Tirupati Town ................................................................................ 158
6.6.8.4 Task No. 12: Development of road connectivity in the
Tirupati Region. ............................................................................ 158
6.6.9 Development of internal roads (Arterial and Sub arterial)
for Tirumala ................................................................................... 160
6.6.9.1 Task No. 13: 100 ft wide peripheral Ring road at
Tirumala ........................................................................................ 161
6.6.9.2 Task No. 14: 80 ft wide Main Arterial Road at Tirumala
165
6.6.9.3 Task No. 15: 60 ft wide main roads at Tirumala ........... 165
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6.6.9.4 Task No. 16: Local roads 1: 40 ft. wide roads .............. 166
6.6.9.5 Task No. 17: Local roads 2: 30 ft. wide roads .............. 168
6.6.9.6 Task No. 18: Internal Streets 20 ft. wide streets .......... 169
6.6.10 Development of pedestrian facilities at Tirumala ........ 170
6.6.10.1 Task No. 19: Pedestrian Paths ...................................... 170
6.6.10.2 Task No. 20: Pedestrian Plaza at TET ........................... 170
6.6.10.3 Task No. 21: Walkalators ............................................... 170
6.6.11 Development of parking facilities at Tirumala ............. 172
6.6.11.1 Task No. 22: Onstreet Parking ...................................... 172
6.6.12 Task No. 23: Off-street Parking/Parking Lots .............. 173
6.6.13 Task No. 24: Design and Development of street furniture
Tirumala. ....................................................................................... 173
6.6.14 Task No. 25: Development of Eco friendly
Transportation for Tirumala ........................................................ 173
6.6.15 Task No. 26: Overall Urban Design and Aesthetics
Improvement. ................................................................................ 174
6.6.16 Task No. 27: Heritage and Building Conservation ...... 174
6.6.17 Landscape enhancement of Tirumala .......................... 174
6.6.17.1 Task No. 28: Zone 1 within Wall 1: 150 mtrs ................ 174
6.6.17.2 Task No. 29: Zone 2 within Wall 2: 250 mtrs ................ 174
6.6.17.3 Task No. 30: Other Areas ............................................... 174
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6.6.18 Task No. 31: Concept plan and technical report on
options for reuse of buildings at Tirumala ................................. 175
6.6.19 Task No. 32: Heritage Conservation and Building
preservation .................................................................................. 175
6.6.20 Task No. 33: Heritage Museum and Gallery at Tirumala.
(Expansion of existing facility) .................................................... 176
6.6.21 Task No. 34: Arts & Cultural University at Tirumala.
(Expansion of existing facility) .................................................... 176
6.6.22 Task No. 35: Forest Conservation in Tirumala Hills .... 176
6.6.23 Task No. 36: Climate Change and Mitigation Study for
Tirumala Tirupati Region ............................................................. 176
6.6.24 Task No. 37: Biodiversity Study of Tirumala Tirupati
Region 176
6.6.25 Task No. 38: Biodiversity Study of Tirumala Tirupati
Region 176
6.6.26 Development of Central Facilitation Areas (CFCs) ..... 177
6.6.26.1 Task No. 39: Tirupati City Central Facilitation Centre
(CFC) at Srinivasa Mangapuram. ................................................ 177
6.6.26.2 Task No. 40: Alipiri City Central Facilitation Centre (CFC)
at: Alipiri ........................................................................................ 177
6.6.26.3 Task No. 41: Renigunta Town Central Facilitation Centre
at Dhodlamitta Jn ......................................................................... 177
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6.6.27 Task No. 42: Development of Base Residential Camps
(BRCs) 179
6.6.28 Development of Integrated Tirumala Entry Terminal
(TET) Complex .............................................................................. 180
6.6.28.1 Task No. 43: TET Block: Main terminal, CFC for direct
pilgrims, Admn Office, Amenities Centre, CCLC: 5 acre .......... 182
6.6.28.2 Task No. 44: Parking Area: 10 acres ............................ 182
6.6.28.3 Task No. 45: BRT/LRT Stand terminal: 5 Acres ........... 182
6.6.28.4 Task No. 46: Public Plaza with fountains, trees, resting
areas and recreational space for pilgrims to relax before and
after the pilgrimage: 10 acres ...................................................... 182
6.6.28.5 Task No. 47: Arts and Cultural University: 5 Acres ..... 182
6.6.28.6 Task No. 48: Heritage Museum and Interpretation
Centre: 5 Acres ............................................................................. 182
6.6.29 Task No. 49: Development & management of Central
Logistics & Control Centre (CLCC) ............................................. 182
Management system for CLCC (building to be part of TET
Complex) ....................................................................................... 182
6.6.30 Task No. 50: Improvement of Signage and directions 182
6.6.31 Demarcation of Inner and Outer Zone .......................... 182
6.6.31.1 Task No. 51: Wall 1: Length 1.7 kms: Area encompassed
39 Acres ........................................................................................ 183
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6.6.31.2 Task No. 52: Wall 2 : 3. Kms; Area encompassed 125
Acres 183
6.6.32 Task No. 53: Development of the Outer perimeter
Boundary Fence for Tirumala Includes Reserve forest, dam,
reservoir, wind towers: length 19.5 kms Area encompassed 6450
Acres 184
6.6.33 Task No. 54: Development of the Inner perimeter
Boundary Fence for Tirumala Hills (securing Habitable Area):
length 10 kms, Area encompassed 865 Acres ........................... 185
6.6.34 Task No. 55: Development of state of the art biometric
based security and monitoring system. ..................................... 186
6.6.35 Task No. 56: Development of state of the art queuing
and accreditation system including software and administration,
overall software development system ........................................ 186
6.6.36 Task No. 57: Development of Monitoring and Evaluation
System for Quality Control, International benchmarks like ISO
Certification system ..................................................................... 186
6.6.37 Task No. 58: Development of state of the art security
agency for Tirumala ..................................................................... 186
6.6.38 Task No. 59: Development of Efficient and Effective
Awareness Campaign .................................................................. 186
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PART 1 Background, Introduction,
Analysis and Identification of Issues
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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1. Pilgrimage places in the planning context:
The modern expression of pilgrimage travel in India evolved in a very
much more distinct form than the traditional one, even if it has echoes
of the former. Along with substantial increase in the volume of visitors
to sacred sites and religious places, substantial changes are visible in
the very essence and quality of pilgrimage.
Pilgrimage places have their own image and need a different
planning approach. These towns have historical backgrounds and are
sensitive where both conservation and development have their own
importance. Mostly the towns which developed on plains have
attained the usual urban character where the Temple or the religious
place has either become a core for surrounding development or
secluded from the new development and the influence of pilgrimage
on the economical activity has gradually reduced in comparison to
other essential & regular commercial activity of urban character
whereas the religious places which are located on hills have
maintained their identity and character of a religious place even
though they have grown in due course with an urban settlement
character with pilgrimage as the mainstay of economic activity.
In all such pilgrimage places, generally, the proportion of floating
population to the local residents is increasing rapidly. Such religious
towns are growing rapidly due to the inflow of money and increase in
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the commercial potential due to faith and religious sentiments of the
pilgrim tourists. Unfortunately, the spontaneous and unplanned
growth and expansion is and would be in future causing a strain on
the civic facilities and as well as degradation in the quality and the
image of the town and the pilgrimage place unless aptly and timely
interventions and channelization of amenities and facilities are
undertaken through proper planning.
1.2 The significance of Tirumala pilgrimage
Tirumala is a sacred place of hindu pilgrimage in India and its fame
and popularity transcends national boundaries. Tirumala derives its
importance and popularity due to the location of the sacred shrine of
Lord Shri Venkateswara.. Being a very important religious center, it
attracts pilgrims from all over the country and abroad. It is one of the
most popular places of religious pilgrimage with an average of more
than 50,000 pilgrims visiting Tirumala daily and during special
occasions like Brahmotsavams the number even touch about 4 lakhs
per day! These pilgrims come daily to Tirumala mainly for religious
purpose- to have a darshan of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala..
The temple itself is believed to have existed from very ancient times
and it is said that Lord Sri Venkateswara the presiding deity of this
temple is referred to in earliest of the Vedas.
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CHAPTER 2 NEED FOR PREPARATION OF SRI VARI MASTER PLAN 2.1 The Broad Context
Overall Improvement of Tirumala: Viewing the mentioned existing
scenario and trends, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has felt
the need for undertaking a comprehensive Master Plan covering the
entire Tirumala Temple Complex of about 6 sq km area with a view to
comprehensively plan, develop and manage the various attendant
facilities for pilgrims so as to ensure smooth, safe and speedy
darshan in the Temple of Lord Venkateswara for the thousands of
pilgrims daily visiting Tirumala and ways and means for achieving
this.
2.2 Increasing numbers of pilgrims: It has been observed that
Tirumala can cater to darshan for about 60,000 pilgrims daily
with saturation level of about 85,000 pilgrims. Added to this is
the service population which is roughly about 1/3rd or
28,000.This would give an overall density of about 11300
persons per sq km or 113 persons per hectare, which is very
high density of population congregating at a given place which
puts strain on the quality and quantity of amenities, services
and facilities. The trend of pilgrim population visiting daily is
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increasing and with the present system it would be difficult to
cater to more pilgrims than the above-mentioned saturation
number. The challebge in future before TTD would thus be to
cater to the ever-increasing number of pilgrims especially the
ordinary pilgrim and with the limitations of space and time it
would be a daunting task indeed unless planning interventions
and systems are in place.
2.3 Keeping the above concerns in view, this Sri Vari Master Plan
attempts to study the specific planning issues and suggest in
conjunction with an improved pilgrim management system
based on computerization techniques so as to meet the above
challenges and help restore the sanctity and sacredness of
Tirumala. The Sri Vari Master Plan includes the following:-
(a) undertaking area planning and preparation of Master plan of
Tirumala on state of art GIS platform to identify and creation
open spaces, lung spaces, green spaces, further development
of infrastructure for present needs and reserved for future
needs etc. and freezing of master plan of Tirumala. Identifying
and reserving the open spaces exclusively for future
requirement of TTD purpose.
(b) To conduct a study on stream-liniing of traffic movement at
Tirumala and planning of road network and widening of roads
keeping in view of existing system of transport facility and to
make proposals for improving the transportation system.
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(c) To study existing system of roads/paths ways at Tirumala and
to evolve an improved grid system with external bypass roads,
wide internal roads/footpaths etc.
(d) Undertaking a preliminary survey of the entire area with regard
to the existing pilgrim amenities like accommodation, water
supply and the sanitary arrangements
(e) To study the present pattern of garbage collection and disposal
system and to suggest the implementation of modern hygienic
collection system and the disposal by non conventional
methods such as incineration, vermin-compost etc.
(f) To study and suggest improvements in the four madas around
the main temple, for smooth flow of pilgrims especially during
course of vahana procession, Srivari Bramhosthavams and
other auspicious days.
(g) To study the structure of existing shopping facilities and its
problems and development of shopping centers at vulnerable
points to meet the commercial needs of the pilgrims in different
places.
The Sri Vari Master Plan would be for a plan period of 20 years
duration during which time the structure and all aspects outlined in
the Plan would be in place and implemented. Each of the above-
mentioned aspects would be in the form of projectised plans ,i.e., the
Master Plan would be giving a basket of projects on each of the
above-mentioned 10 aspects/sub-plans, with Project profile, expected
time of Project, broad cost estimates, and implementation issues.
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2.4 Scope and Limitations
The Master Plan would be limited to the physical aspects which
would facilitate improvement and development of infrastructural,
management and regulation systems in Tirumala. Due to project
limitations and constraints data is taken from multiple secondary
sources (with due acknowledgements from HMDA) for support from
various quarters. In some cases latest data was also unavailable for
immediate use. If any data gaps are found these can be corrected
appropriately. The Master report is a guiding document for TTD to
examine in detail various issues pertaining to the maintenance and
upkeep of Tirumala as a spiritually and naturally pristine environment.
It is suggested that TTD look at this report to understand the
comprehensive approach to the Development and management of
Tirumala and that many aspects are in physical form while others are
related to operational and management issues. The physical space
can be planned and the physical and social infrastructure can be
planned for a defined number of users. In case of Tirumala the
pilgrims are increasing exponentially. Due to the limited space at the
Tirumala hill top, the limited physical infrastructure, constrained
resources like water supply and challenges of managing the
sewerage and solid waste related issues it is suggested the TTD
consider a Decentralized Pilgrim Movement and Darshan
management System (PMDM) which will ensure comfortable and
satisfying experience for the ever increasing number of pilgrims.
Details are provided in the relevant sections in this report.
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CHAPTER 3 EXISTING
SITUATION ANALYSIS The exact dates of construction of the original temple are unknown.
However, it is believed that the temple was first built during the 8th
century.
The original Sri Venkateswara Temple was built by King
Thondaiman, Tamil ruler of the ancient Thondaimandalam.
Subsequent rulers, including the Pallvas of Kancheepuram, Cholas,
Pandyas, the Vijayanagar Empire, Marathas, and the kings of Mysore
all played a role in the continued growth of the temple.
The precise origins of the temple are not known. However, it is
generally believed that the first temple at Tirumala Tirupati was built
by King Thondaiman, Tamil ruler of the ancient Thondaimandalam,
after he had a dream of Lord Vishnu. He is said to have built the
original Gopuram (tower) and the Prakhara in the 8th century.
Thereafter, the temple was endowed by the numerous kings of
various dynasties of South India for whom the Sri Venkateswara
shrine was an important religious destination. The dynasties include:
the Pallvas of Kancheepuram (9th century); Cholas of Thanjavur
(10th century), Pandyas of Madurai, and the various Kings and
chieftains of Vijayanagar empire (14th - 15th century) who all donated
money and gold and other ornaments in abundance in support of the
temple. During the Vijayanagar dynasty the contribution increased
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substantially particularly under King Krishnadevaraya whose donation
of gold and jewels enabled the entire Vimana (inner shrine) to be
gilded. Subsequent rulers the Marathas, and the kings of Mysore
also fostered the growth and importance of Tirupati Tirumala Temple.
Following the fall of the Hindu Kingdom, the Muslim rulers of
Karnataka and thereafter the British took over the supervision of the
temple. In 1843 the administration of the shrine and its estates was
formally handed over to Sri Deva Dossiji of Hatiramji Mutt at Tirupati.
Subsequently, in 1932 the management of the Temple was handed
over to when Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), a non-profit
organisation that was established to protect this important religious
heritage. The TTD runs various charitable trusts with the proceeds
from the pilgrims.
The shrine has three enclosures called “Prakharams”. While the
outermost enclosure comprises the Dhavajasthamba – a banner post,
the other enclosures have many statues including that of the King
Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagar and his spouses and of Todarmal,
the minister of King Akbar.
The main door or outer gopuram is called “Padi Kavali Maha Dwara”
which stands on a rectangular base. The architecture of the alter is of
the Chola period and inscriptions on the gopuram date back to the
13th century. This gopuram has a number of stucco figures of
Vaishnava Gods like Hanuman, Kevala Narasimha and Lakshmi
Narasimha.
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“Nandimi Padi Kavali” is the inner gopuram, the inner entrance to the
temple which is reached via Dhwajasthamba Mandapa. It has
wooden doors covered in silver plates and is called as “Vendi Vakili”
The path for circumnavigating the temple is called “Pradakshinam”.
The main temple has three Prakarmas and between the outer and
middle Parakarma is the second pathway for circumambulation which
is called as “Samoangi Pradakshanam”. This pathway is closed to
pilgrims and contains several of the Mandapams (halls) like the
Ranga Mandapa, Pratima Mandapa, Tirumal Raya Mandapa, Aina
Mahal, Dhwajasthamba Mandapa.
The temple complex inside consist of several elegantly carved
doorways, mandapams and shrines. The beautiful idol of Shri
Venkateswara is placed in the main sanctum sanctrum of the temple.
Inside the main sanctum are also three consecutive halls - Snapana
mandapam also called Tiruvilan Kovil or square hall, Rama Meda or
the rectangular hall and Sayana Mandapam or Ardha Mandapam
which is also rectangular in shape.
The temple also consist of a kitchen area called “Potu” where the
food offering for the main temple is prepared.
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3.2 The Destination and the Journey
3.2.1 Climbing Tirumala Hills on foot
Many pilgrims walk up the hills to fulfill vows they have taken. The
more ancient of the two sopanamargas which starts from Alipiri at
the foot of the hills, is about 11 km in length, and is the commonly-
used route. The climb is ardous with certain hill ranges the climb is
quite steep.
The other sopanamarga (Srivari mettu) from Chandragiri, though
only about 6 km in length is less patronized by pilgrims due to it being
located about 11 km away from Tirupati which is the rail-head and not
having good to and fro transportation. However, the climb is quite
gentle except for the last portion which is quite steep joining near the
TBC.
Token facility is provided for pedestrian who come on foot to Tirumala
through Gali Gopuram or Srivari Mettu. Bio-Metric counters are
established on these foot paths, to facilitate free darshan, free
accommodation (P.A.C.) and free food facilities at Tirumala. TTD
provides several facilities to pilgrims who walk up the hills to
Tirumala. Transportation of luggage is done free of cost, to Tirumal
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3.2.2 Queue System
Given the high volume of pilgrims, between 50,000 – 100,000 daily
during normal days, the TTD has designed and implemented an
impressive and highly elaborate sequence and system of queues by
constructing two ‘Q’ Complexes to guide devotees to the holy shrine.
This has significantly dropped the amount of time spent waiting in a
queue to a more manageable 3-4 hours (on normal days).
Impressively, the TTD has worked at minimising stress on devotees
during the wait time with huge halls for pilgrims to rest, eat and wash
up. Free food and coffee & tea are served every few hours.
Following the long queue time, devotees typically only get to see the
Lord’s idol for a minute or less and volunteers are present to usher in
the next batch of devotees who are awaiting their turn.
3.3 Physical Context of Tirumala
3.3.1 Location & Regional Linkage
The hills in Chandragiri Taluq of Chittoor district, Andhra prdaesh on
which the temple of Shri Venkateswara stands along with the
Tirumala Town is popularly known as Venkatachala forms part of one
of the Eastern Ghats. The length of this part of the hill range is about
twelve miles as the crow flies (Aerial Route) The actual forest path
along the crest of the hills may be about 20 miles. The entire hills are
considered to be very holy since time immemorial.
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Tirumala lies on 13 41’ North latitude and 79 21’ East Longitude, at
an altitude of 2800 ft, above MSL (mean sea level) on the seven hills
popularly known as Venkatachala, in the Chandragiri Taluq of
Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. It is located about 150 km from
Chennai, 150 km from Nellore, 570 km from Hyderabad, 240
km from Bangalore, 430 km from Vijayawada. NH 71 pass through
Renigunta, which is the nearest road and rail junction to Tirumala.
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3.4 Transportation Linkages
All modes of transport, except waterways, are available to reach
Tirupati , i.e. by Air, Rail and Road. The Rail and Air Link is available
only up to base of the Tirupati town and all pilgrims are required to
pass through Tirupati including road and by. foot to reach Tirumala
Hills. Renigunta is the nearest (12 Km distance) important railway
junction which lies on Chennai–Mumbai via (East –West) and Delhi,
Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram (North South) national routes.
Renigunta is also an important Highway Junction that connects all the
four southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Karnataka and
Kerala at regional Level. Renigunta junction is well connected with
Tirupati railway station by rail as well as by road. This factor makes
the road linkage of Renigunta to Tirumala passing through Tirupati as
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the lifeline for the regional economy and has a major impact on
Tirupati and surrounding region. The area in and around the Tirumala
Temple Town comprise an extent of about 10.3 Sq. Miles known as
Devasthanam Area was notified as Tirumala Hills Area under
Section 84(1) of the Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable
Endowments Act, 1951 and as revised under the present Andhra
Pradesh Endowments Act, 1966.
The jurisdiction of Tirumala- Tirupati Devasthanams (popularly known
as TTD) applies to this Tirumala Hills area and the Temple
Endowments thereof and also to the educational Institutions In 1979
a separate legislation called the Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam
Act,1979 came in to force which became effective on 18th May 1979
TTD is under the control of the State Revenue Department.
3.5 Growth Pattern of Tirumala
It is evident from the epigraphic records and land records that the
land utilization and land use began as single religious use within the
forest areas of Tirumala Hills to presently a full-fledged town with
multifarious activities and uses, albeit directly related to the temple
and religiously activities and for accommodating the support
activities. .
The population of Tirumala was only 43 in 1941. By 1951 the
population increased to 3505. The population of Tirumala town was
5561 in 1961 and it sharply increased to 12,879 in 1971. The
decennial growth of population during 1961-71 is 134.60%
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3.6 Existing Situation Analysis
Predominant destination of religious tourism:
Of late, it is observed that majority of domestic tourists are visiting
South India in large numbers during holiday seasons. Tirumala is ‘a
must see place’ and is included in most of such tourist packages
due to its religious importance, natural scenic beauty, easy
accessibility and well developed infrastructure and facilities in terms
of accommodation, services, and amenities. This has resulted in ever
increasing requirement of overnight staying facilities along with
necessary supporting infrastructure for pilgrims and tourists at
Tirupati and Tirumala. Tirumala and Tirupati have become ‘the city
that never sleeps’. This has a ‘spread-effect’ with demand and
development of major commercial activities such as catering hotels,
shopping, development of transport sector, recreational and
institutional development. . Tirumala being the focus of ‘must see
destination’, conducting local tours, site-seeing places and facilitating
arrangements for the Darshan of Lord Venkateswara is an essential
part of infrastructure of Tirupati. The increase in the supporting local
population engaged in the above sectors of activities creates
necessity of housing for the residential population.
3.7 Demography
(a) Predominant floating Population: Besides the usual resident
population, the town receives huge numbers of pilgrim population
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every day. On an average everyday 50,000 pilgrims visit Tirumala.
Tirumala has floating population of pilgrims almost all round the year
The growth rate of this floating population has absolutely no relation
to the growth rate of local/resident population as per the Census of
India. The composition of pilgrims state-wise is as follows:
Sl. No State Visiting Pilgrims in % 1 Andhra Pradesh 31.12 2 Tamilnadu 22.08 2A Pondicherry 3.32 3 Karnataka 12.20 4 Maharashtra 8.65 5 Kerala 5.95 6 Uttar Pradesh 4.32 7 Orissa 3.24 8 Madhya Pradesh 3.01 9 Gujarat 2.93 10 Delhi 2.08
11 West Bengal 1.08 Total 100.00
Purpose of pilgrimage to Tirumala (Survey by Tirupati
University)
Purpose % of Total
Temple Darshan of Lord Venkateswara 100.00
Tonsure 21.60
Snana in Pushkarani 8.90
Snana in Theertam 9.20
Purchasing Prasadam 100.00
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Participation in Special Sevas 7.70
Pilgrims state wise Urban Rural Percentage
Sl No State Urban Percentage Rural Percentage1 Andhra
Pradesh 161 39.95 242 60.05
2 Tamilnadu 113 39.51 173 60.19 3 Karnataka 68 43.04 90 56.96 4 Maharashtra 72 64.29 40 35.71 5 Kerala 38 49.35 39 50.65 6 Pondicherry 30 69.77 13 30.23 7 Orissa 22 52.38 20 47.62 8 Madhya
Pradesh 29 74.36 10 25.64
9 Gujarat 27 71.05 11 28.95 10 Delhi 27 100.00 - 0.00 11 Utter Pradesh 42 75.00 14 25.00 12 West Bengal 14 100.00 - 0.00 Total 643 652 Total
Percentage 49.65 50.35
(Surveyed by Tirupati, University)
(b) Impact of floating population
Besides the floating population, there have been some trends of
increase of the local resident population with development of informal
settlements at Balajinagar etc. The increase in resident population
and pressure of floating population at Tirumala is affecting the
sanctity and sacredness of Tirumala, resulting in the requirements
and need for addressing the following issues:
Accommodation for stay of pilgrims.
Housing for local/resident population.
Hotels , Restaurants eatery facilities.
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Local Transportation as well as travel to and from Tirupati.
Facilities and Service Infrastructure.
Health Facilities.
Education facilities for local/resident population.
Accommodation for religious ceremonies.
Space and accommodation for socio-cultural activities.
Facilities for Institutional Buildings.
Darshan management and pilgrims management and other
religious activities.
Shopping and other commercial activities
(c) Development –The Negative Factor
The above developments are ironically adversely affecting the
sanctity and character of Tirumala. On one hand, the sheer number
and hordes of pilgrims and income of the temple is ever increasing
due to offerings of pilgrims and this being the one of the richest
temple in the country and second richest in the world is creating
demand for improvement of facilities. The paucity of funds was never
problem for the development of Tirumala town. On the other hand this
has resulted in adhoc development in the absence of long term
planning of the temple complex and it’s influence areas causing
damage to image and character of Tirumala, TTD is both the
proponent and development agency is always on it’s toes and in fire-
fighting mode.It is not only in this context that TTD has to adopt a
Master Plan for Tirumala, but also ensure it is adhered to and
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implemented keeping the long-term perspective of Tirumala and
surroundings in view. Apart from having a rational land use and green
cover and environment conservation plan, other aspects like mobility
within Tirumala, ever increasing transportation demand to and from
Tirumala, hierarchy of organized spaces, interrelation of temple
complex with other religious structures, spaces like water bodies and
procession paths assumes priority. The pilgrim management and
temple relationship and the management of heavy influx of pilgrims
on special occasions like Brahmavotsams require permanent planned
solution.
The increasing numbers of pilgrims puts tremendous pressure on the
physical environment, infrastructure services of the area and logistics
and management is a growing challenge for authorities.
3.8 Overall Zoning
Unlike any other town this hill town has its individuality. The basic
reason for its character and form is religious impact and the
topography. It is the termination point and as well as zenith of the
pilgrimage. The existing undeclared zoning can be clearly visualized in
hierarchy as follows.
1. Religious and semi religious
2. Commercial (shops and other establishments etc)
3. Public Semipublic (Health, education etc)
4. Residential for Pilgrims residential
5. Residential for Staff/ local population.
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6. Open Space Zone
7. Urban Forest and Natural Forests.
3.9 Land Use Analysis
3.9.1 Landuse 1952
The growth of Tirumala until the 1960s had been slow. The earliest
Land Use map of Tirumala that is available is of 1952, signed by Sri
T.K. Vighaneshwarachari (ddated 10-09- 1952 from the book -
History of Tirumala Volume-1) .As per this existing Landuse map;
(1952) Tirumala temple Complex and surroundings covered only area
of about 50 hectares of developed land while the rest was vacant
Sl. No Land Use Area (in Hect) Percentage (%)1 Vacant Land 245.38 78.952 Residential (for local &
pilgrims) 8.00 2.57
3 Religious oriented 4.59 1.484 Public Open Spaces 10.43 3.365 Commercial 0.30 0.106 Water bodies 36.30 11.687 Public Utility 0.30 0.108 Semi-Public utility 0.30 0.109 Roads 5.20 1.67 Total 310.80
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3.9.2 Land Use 1975
In 1975 Land use survey was undertaken and maps were prepared
and published by the office of Directorate of Town Planning on 2-6-
1975. Tirumala town grew from ½ sq km (50 Ha) in 1952 to about
3.07 sq. km (310 Ha) in 1975. The fringe area of the temple complex
was developed with well spread out guesthouses and cottages for
pilgrims in the southern part of the town and having very low density.
The development trends of Tirumala town during the period 1975 to
1995 was more pronounced on northwestern part, western part and
the southern part of the Temple Complex.
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Land use in 1995
Sl. No
Land Use Area in Hectares
Percentage
1 Vacant Land 130.51 41.99 2 Residential (for local
Population) 7.91 2.55
3 Residential ( for Pilgrims) 33.50 10.78 4 Religious Oriented 4.59 1.48 5 Industrial 0.96 0.31 6 Public open Spaces 24.63 7.92 7 Commercial 1.56 0.50 8 Water Bodies 36.30 11.68 9 Transport & Communication 0.96 0.31 10 Public Utility 5.80 1.87 11 Social forest 41.06 13.21 12 Public Semi public 2.16 0.69 13 Roads 20.86 6.71 Total 310 100
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3.9.3 Comparative analysis: Land use 1952, 1975
Tirumala settlement which was rural until 1951, became urban in
1961. In the first decade of urbanization 1961-1971 the population
registered a growth of 134.60% (5561 to 12,879). The total vacant
land (un-developed) which was 245.38 hectares i.e. 78.95% in 1952
got reduced to 131.51 hectares (41.99%) by 1975. Similarly the
residential area (Local and Pilgrims) which was only 8.00 hectares
(2.57%) increased to 41.41 hectares (7.91+33.50) 13.33%.during this
period of 23 years. Two major developments observed are 36.96%
of vacant land was developed to achieve additional 33.42 Ha for
residential use and about 41 Ha for social forestry. The special
attention given to afforestation of the hills through social forestry by
the state Government has been a remarkable achievement ushering
in further steps for environment improvement.
3.9.4 Existing Land Use (1995)
Based on secondary data the following awas the land use break up in
1995
SI No Landuse Area in Hectares Percentage 1 Vacant land 86.68 25.932 Residential (for local Population) 15.43 4.623 Residential ( for Pilgrims) 52.70 15.774 Religious oriented 5.40 1.625 Industrial 0.96 0.296 Public open spaces 53.34 15.967 Commercial 3.22 0.968 Water Bodies 36.30 10.869 Transport & Communication 1.86 0.5610 Public Utility 5.97 1.7911 Social forest 41.06 12.28
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12 Public Semi Public 4.79 1.4313 Roads 23.36 6.9914 Under Aquision 3.21 0.96 Total 334.28 100
3.9.5 Comparative Analysis land use 1975 - 1995.
The vacant land is reduced from 154.00 Hect. to 88.68 Hectare. The
census record show a decline in prime (local) population due the policy
adopted on recommendations made in 1975. The land use of
residential local population and floating pilgrim population has doubled.
The density of the township as a whole increased considering the
existence of the pilgrim floating population. This has also resulted in
increase of the density of the built form to meet the needs of the
pilgrims without notable horizontal expansion of the town. The land of
religious use, public semipublic use organized public open spaces, is
doubled in 1995 as compared to 1975.
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3.9.6 Existing Land Use (2011)
Existing Land Use (2011)
Existing Land Use Details
Layer Name Sq Mts Acres %
Commercial 10529.18 2.60 0.31
Roads & Circulation 99499.53 24.59 2.94
Religious 16464.88 4.07 0.49
Religious Related 4742.49 1.17 0.14
Open Spaces 29580.83 7.31 0.87
Parks, Playgrounds, Maidaans 297043.87 73.40 8.78
Plantation 392031.05 96.87 11.59
Residential Pilgrims 499332.26 123.38 14.76
Residential Staff 112882.68 27.89 3.34
Public Semipublic 394647.10 97.52 11.67
Amenities & Utilities 38539.53 9.52 1.14
Water Bodies 272668.75 67.38 8.06
Forest 908316.60 224.44 26.85
Roads 306422.47 75.72 9.06
Total 3382701.21 835.85 100.00
3.9.7 Comparative Analysis: land use change-1995 and 2011.
The vacant land within Tirumala became almost zero. The land use of
residential local population and floating pilgrim population has
increased significantly in this period. The important factor to note is the
effect of policy and implementation of granting plots/sites for donor
cottages/ guest houses which needs to be reviewed. As seen from the
depleting vacant lands in and around the Temple proper, would be
having an adverse impact on the serenity and sanctity of the temple
town with overcrowding and challenges of services and amenities.
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3.10 Infrastructure
3.10.1 Water Supply
Gogarbham, Akasaganga, Papavinasanam, Kalyani dam,
Kumaradhara and Pasupudhara twin dams are the major sources of
drinking water for the hill shrine. The water level in the dams are fast
depleting due lack of inflows. According to reports a proposal has
been made to draw Telugu Ganga water from Tirupati to meet
the requirements of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The state
government has agreed to release 6 MLD of water to Tirumala from
40 MLD of water being supplied to the Tirupati Municipal Corporation
from Kandaleru reservoir. The project will be funded by the TTD.
TTD is considering a comprehensive plan which caters to the water
needs of Tirumala up to 2030, which can be taken up on a priority
basis.
There is a regular water treatment and supply system in Tirumala. The
water is supplied to the entire town from Gogardham Dam (supplying
about 45 Mcft) and Papavinasanam dam (supplying about 80 Mcft).
The daily supply from these two sources is about 14 lakh gallons. The
present demand of drinking water at Tirumala is about 30 lakh gallons
per day. The two sources depend upon monsoon resulting in severe
water shortage at Tirumala when monsoon fails. Government
augmented they water supply through Kalyani Dam pumping Scheme,
which caters to both Tirupati and Tirumala. And therefore is not a
dependable source. There is every need for identifying additional
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sources of water supply or alternatively, ensure limitation in the
population at Tirumala at any given time.
3.10.2 Sewerage
A sewerage system helps in maintaining satisfactory sanitary
conditions in Tirumala. However, disposal of wastewater is an issue
because it finds its way into the natural ecosystem of the hills,
especially during peak visitation due to malfunctioning of the sewage
treatment plants.
3.10.3 Solid waste
It can be estimated from the available data that about 0.6 kg per capita
waste is generated in both the towns. This is much higher than the
average daily waste generation of 0.36 kg per capita reported by
Karthikeyan(1996) and this provides support for the observation
regarding new consumer-ist attitudes with both the local residents and
visitors. While the total waste generated in Tirumala (about 35 tons per
day) is collected by TTD, its disposal is a challenge. Currently, it is
dumped openly at a nearby land-fill site which poses a high risk of
contamination of the surface and underground in the fragile ecosystem
of the hills. The relation between magnitude of visitation and waste
generation is illustrated by a simple observation: everyday more than
20,000 coconuts are carried as waste; coconuts have a religious
importance in certain rituals to be performed by the pilgrims at the
temple. Usually the items required in worship of the deity are organic
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(and biodegradable) in nature and are able to decompose when
dumped. However, with recent introduction of polythene bags in
packaging many of these items and its ready acceptance by pilgrims
(for the convenience), a large quantity of plastic waste is now going into
land fill sites and this has serious environmental concerns for the hill
ecosystem.
At present the entire garbage accumulated at Tirumala is being
transported and dumped at dumping yard. The above Waste Material
however is not being treated and hence causing pollution. TTD have
been contemplating on the proposal for treating the solid wastes
(Garbage) by means of Bio-Conversion into anorganic manure. If
converted into manure it may be used to the TTD Gardens/Forest
Departments without purchasing from outside. This conversion of solid
waste material into organic manure can help to avoid ill-effects such as
foul smell and mosquito menace and environmental pollution.
3.10.4 Power/Electricity
Almost entire town is covered by Electricity supply system. The initial
main supply comes from the two overhead HT lines, viz.
o Chandragiri feeder (A.P.S.E.B 11 K.\/. Line)
o Alipiri Feeder (T.T.D.11 K.V. line.)
To the APCPDCL 33/11 KV Sub-station situated at GNC Area . From
here, the distribution is managed through 56 number of distribution
transformers at different parts of town and sub stations.
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The average requirement of power at Tirumala is approx. 350 lakh
units per year or about 1 lakh units per day.
3.10.5 Non-conventional Energy
6 units of 250 KWH windmills are erected on Tirumala. Additional 10
windmills of 250 KW/H are erected at Kakula Konda.
3.11 Health & Sanitation
The TTD is responsible to take care of general health and sanitation.
The public toilets located at all important centers are well maintained
and frequently washed and disinfected. The “Q” complex and
Tonsure centers are regularly washed and disinfected. A 50 bedded
TTD Ashvini Hospital is constructed at Tirumala within walking
distance from the main bus stand. At Vaikuntam “ Q “ complex
emergency medical services are available, All the medical services
are free for all. These facilities are in addition to Hospitals of TTD at
Tirupati.
3.12 Education
Tirupati is an important education center in the entire region. This
only due to contribution of TTD, which even, runs the colleges and
university at Tirupati. But at Tirumala at present two elementary
schools and one high school is run by TTD at Tirumala.
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3.13 Communication
There is post office, sub post office and telegraph office at Tirumala.
The telecom revolution has changed the entire communication
environment. There are quite a few public telephone booths available
throughout 24 hours. Closed Circuit T.V., through which devotion all
programs and music are relayed
3.14 Facilities and Amenities
Shopping & Commercial Activities. Cottage industries
There are about 850 Shops, 15 Kiosks, 477 hawkers, 7 push carts,
about 10 big restaurants, all over Tirumala which are licensed by the
local body,i.e., Gram Panchayat. In addition to canteens in Temple
“Q” complexes other important are run by TTD. 50% of regular shops
are accommodated in three storied shopping complex and nearby
opposite Annapurna Canteen area located in between the Central
reception office and the Temple. About 20% shops are located on the
main street between The Temple and Astana mandapam and on East
Mada Street. The remaining shops are near Central Reception office
and other parts of the town. In each and every centers of pilgrim
cottages, Choultries, and in important places kiosks are located so
that they are available at walking distances from the cottages and
rooms of pilgrims.
There were 29 Restaurants (including 10 big establishments), and
Canteens, Govt Institutions, Coffee Board, Emporiums, Tea Board
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etc. and one petrol pump. There are numerous hawkers. Except for
the Coconut there are no wholesale outlets and it is observed that the
basic wholesale activity takes place in the market of base town
Tirupati. All most all the nationalized Indian banks have branches at
Tirumala. ln addition to money transactions, the banks have
voluntarily extending their services in non-conventional banking
commerce such as selling TTD coupons, tickets, and even
Prasadam.
3.15 Hair Offerings
One of the most visible acts of faith for pilgrims who visit Tirupati, is to
have their heads shaved and donate the hair to the temple -
symbolising the surrendering one's ego to God. The temple
organization in turn sells the hair, particularly the long hair of women,
to international buyers for use as hair extensions. Men's hair is used
to extract a protein called L-Cystein that is used in a range of
products including eatables. In 2008, the Sri Venkateswara Temple
generated approximately Rs. 450 million in proceeds from the sale of
hair.
3.16 Housing/ Pilgrim Boarding Accommodation
One of the primary objectives of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam’s
(TTD) is to ensure that comfortable accommodation is provided to
pilgrims at a reasonable cost. TTD has constructed around 4850
cottages, guest houses and choultries both at Tirupati and Tirumala.
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At Tirumala the process of allotment of cottages to pilgrims at
Tirumala has been computerized, There are good number of Hotels
ranging from ordinary (Non Star) to Three star at Tirupati. As per
general studies it is observed that the occupancy of the medium
standard hotel is more than 50%. The luxury hotels are financially not
sustainable due to less occupancy. On Tirumala private hotels are
not permitted. Some of the religious institutions (Math) have
noncommercial residential accommodation for their members/
donors.
(i) Free Accommodation
There are several large choultries with free rooms for families to stay
in reasonable comfort. Electricity and water are provided free of
charge. For free accommodation, pilgrims may contact the Central
Reception Office, near the bus stand in Tirumala. Pilgrims can also
rest in dormitory halls provided by TTD.
(ii) Rental (on payment)
Pilgrims can reserve paid accommodation in Tirumala by paying the
requisite amount.
3.17 Increase in pollution
A major environmental problem evident in both Tirumala and Tirupati
is severe air pollution that is largely due to increase in traffic density,
directly related to visitation patterns. Air pollution monitoring
conducted by the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB),
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in Tirumala-Tirupati in 2001 shows the average values of the total
suspended particulate matter (TSPM), an indicator of air quality
(pollution) to be far higher than the acceptable standards.
In Tirumala, it mainly results from a high concentration of tourist
vehicles. Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation
(APSRTC), the state run bus service, claims that during peak season,
more than 1000 jeeps (the most common mode of travel) run round
the clock and there is ‘one bus every minute’ to cater for pilgrims. An
additional cause of congestion is regular movement of trucks that
carry construction materials for building new facilities for visitors.
3.18 Exploitation of natural resources
Provision of facilities and amenities for pilgrims in Tirumala has come
at the cost of exploitation of natural resources. Deforestation has
been blatant in the past and building of dams in the hills for water
supply has led to drying of water springs, canals and streams and
also to a substantial loss of irrigation water for the rural areas
downstream A result is an increased rate of soil erosion and other
problems typical to ecosystem imbalance as well as near extinction of
the indigenous flora and fauna. Apart from these indirect effects,
increased visitation is also directly responsible for wildlife extinction in
two main ways. First, provision of extensive lighting in the hills to
improve visibility of access to the shrine has taken away the darkness
that was otherwise critical for many animals for finding food. Second,
the noise that is associated with periodic movement of pilgrims
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walking up to the shrine and frequent movement of vehicles drives
away wildlife.
Environmental problems that are directly associated with the
magnitude of visitor numbers are clearly visible in Tirumala. However,
as the visitors mix with the resident population, as in the case of
Tirupati, so do their environ-mental impacts and therefore it becomes
extremely difficult to differentiate between causes of environmental
problems. These are further complicated when, on the one hand the
proportion of visitors steadily increases on a regular basis and on the
other, the pressures of rapid urbanisation keep mounting, at least in
part driven by the economic opportunities provided by regular
visitation. The problem of overcrowding needs no special mention, it
inevitably accompanies such magnitude of visitation.
3.19 Transportation
3.19.1 Regional Connectivity: Tirupati Tirumala & Renigunta
Transport
The development of the entire region depends on Tirumala
Pilgrimage. The region is dependant on and is benefited by the trade
and commerce generated by the pilgrimage. Efficiency of mass
pilgrim transport between Tirupati and Tirumala has played a key role
in the growth of pilgrims. Tirumala itself being a uni-functional
settlement does not remain isolated but has direct influence in the
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total regional development and which generates multifunctional
potential for the entire region.
The development of transportation network and facilities Tirumala
therefore cannot be in isolation but has become the crucial factor of
regional potential to meet and sustain the needs of pilgrims (tourist
infrastructure) that should be properly planned and chanellised for the
all-round development and prosperity of the region.
The entire economy of Tirupati depends directly and indirectly on the
Tirumala pilgrimage activities. The other factors related to the
development of educational centres in Tirupati have contributed to
the growth in population.
The road transport from Tirupati to Tirumala on one hand contributes
to the employment opportunities and economical growth of base town
and on other hand helps in keeping Tirumala free from the
environmental pollution and requirement of land for transport
maintenance infrastructure. It is observed that pilgrim growth rate has
direct impact on the transport link and at the same time the pilgrim
growth depends on transport infrastructure. The development and
efficient management of the transport link will be the major factor in
the regional development and integrated growth of both the towns.
This aspect governs the physical plan and transport network of the
base town of Tirupati. The physical growth and the development plan
of Tirupati reflect the importance of this fact.
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The APSRTC public transport link (Tirupati to Tirumala) terminates at
Central Reception and Bus Stand.
3.19.2 Tirumala Internal Transport
Any pilgrim can by walk reach the temple from the Central Reception
office or the terminating point of the link (Tirupati- Tirumala) and as
well as from local public transport route (inner ring) on the periphery
of this zone (religious area) on foot while enjoying the informal
shopping or commercial precinct
3.19.3 Inter relation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic
The present pattern of pathways and roads at Tirumala is such that
there is minimum need of local vehicular private transport. The local
transport is well managed by public free bus service eliminating the
polluting private taxies and three wheelers.
3.19.4 Modal split of Pilgrim Traffic
Leaving aside about 10% pilgrims ascending Tirumala Hills on foot,
the remaining pilgrims reach Tirumala by different modes of transport,
About 60% travel by RTC buses whereas 22% travel by Taxis (cars
and jeeps) Around 6% visit Tirumala by personal cars most of them
from Tamilnadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The pilgrims
coming by two-wheelers are limited to less than 2%.
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3.19.5 Commuter behaviour, preferences and its impact
Following conclusions can be drawn about the attitude and
preferences of the pilgrims. It is observed that number of pilgrims
using bus has increased and similarly the number of pedestrian
pilgrims has increased. ln the transport modes in last two decades
there is a basic change due to :
(1) Construction of additional approach roads to Tirumala thus
making separate roads for ascending and descending traffic from hills
thereby making the Ghat road traffic safe.
(2) Affordability of Pilgrims for ‘sharing taxis’.
The constant percentage of pedestrian pilgrims indicates the strong
religious belief and sentiments irrespective of availability of other
convenient road transport. Hence the pedestrian way has its own
importance. The four-wheel (excluding Bus) user pilgrims have
increased. The pilgrims preferred high frequency and low cost public
transport. The maximum car users visit on weekends. But this has
impact on the Tirumala local traffic as these vehicles are allowed
within the town for local transport resulting in pollution and traffic
problems.
3.19.6 Circulation Pattern of Tirumala
(i) Hierarchy in Existing Circulation Pattern (Road Network)
The existing network to and from Tirumala can be basically
categorized in four tiers and a pedestrian system:
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Road reaching up to Bus Terminus: The road from Alipiri to
Tirumala bringing heavy traffic and the second road carrying traffic
from Tirumala to Alipiri gets unified at the entrance of the city and
finally the incoming traffic ends at Central Reception Office. The
maximum pilgrim traffic using public transport system leaves
Tirumala from the Bus terminus whereas traffic travelling by
personal vehicles and taxis leave from the place of Stay.
Arterial Road carrying Mass Public Transport: The major arterial
road connects all important nodes including Central Reception
Office, all sub reception offices located at different area of pilgrims
residences, bus terminus, commercial area and important nodes.
Roads within the neighborhoods and special areas: All other
roads carry vehicular traffic as well pedestrians but not mass
public transport:
Roads around temple for pedestrians only include religious
processions. The road from the shopping center and Kalayan
Katta to temple and the temple precinct ie. Mada street all
around encircling the temple and Srivari Koneru free from
vehicular traffic.
Pathways (pedestrians only): Pedestrian Pathways all over
passing through green open spaces. The area encircled by
Mada Streets and the Road from temple to Kalyan Katta is kept
free from vehicular traffic, which includes shopping center and
Sri Anjaneya temple.
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3.19.7 Bus Services & Parking
At present the passengers arriving by buses get down at central
reception office and the maximum number of passengers leaving
Tirumala board buses at Bus terminus. At important pilgrim
centers sub stations for boarding out going busses are provided.
The taxis are parked at central parking place where as for
private cars parking areas are provided near Vaikuntam (“Q
complex) and other important places.
In case of pilgrim cottages the car parking near the cottages is
permitted.
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PART 2 Planning Proposals for
Tirumala-Tirupati
Planning for Tirumala Complex
Srivari Master Plan
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CHAPTER 4 PLANNING
PROPOSALS FOR TIRUMALA-
TIRUPATI
4.1 Premise
The new management system, planning of amenities, creation of new
facilities, new transportation and pilgrim movement system, regulation
of number pilgrims at Tirumala and the overall development of the
Tirumala-Tirupati region is proposed primarily from the following main
issues:
The number of pilgrims visiting Tirumala will keep growing to
unmanageable levels. This would increase the burden on
transportation, civic infrastructure, natural environment and the
administrative system of TTD. It is only wise to adapt with the
changing times with innovative methods without compromising on the
sanctity of Tirumala.
Infrastructure Challenge: Tirumala does not have adequate
water supply systems, sewerage systems, solid waste
management and power systems to take care of the ever
increasing pilgrims every day. The only way to mitigate this
challenge and have a comfortable and sustainable infrastructure is
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to go for the Base Camp and Central Reservation Centre concept
and other related maesures suggested of pilgrim management. It
is estimated that the planning measures by way of this master plan
would reduce the burden by more than 50% at Tirumala hilltop.
Health & Sanitation Challenge: Lack of proper physical
infrastructure leads to unhygienic conditions and unhealthy
environment.
Management Challenge: It is difficult to manage the rush of
pilgrims especially if the numbers are increasing everyday, the
time for darshan is decreasing even more and the
Security Challenge: Keeping in view the overall safety and
security situation it is difficultto manage the rushof people in small
area. Even movement ofpeople from Tirupati to Tirumala is
difficulto manage with so many modes and methods of travel and
access available. In case of Manmade or natural disaster it will get
very difficult to handle situations and can lead to hardships.
Brahmotsavams: The tremendous challenge of handling about 4
lakh pilgrims during Brahmotsavams and the social occasions at
Tirumala would need to be addressed in the Master Plan like
having galleries around the temple complex and the present
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successful measures employed by TTD of pilgrim management
during such occasions.
The resident population of Tirumala is around 10,000 persons. The
total daily visitors/pilgrims are around 70,000 as per 2012 data.
During Brahmotsavams this increases to 4-5 Lakhs on a given day.
The Man to Land ratio is around 30 sq mtrs per person. As per future
projections this will be reduced to 15 sq mtrs per person per day and
during Brahmotsavams it can get reduced to as much as 6 sq mtrs
per person. This is not only inadequate for humans but also prone to
safety and security challenges.
The pilgrimage is the key factor, which will sustain the development
of not only Tirumala but also the entire region. The efficient
management of entire pilgrimage and the administration should take
care of:
i) Pilgrim local transport facilities, and transport to the Tirumala
hills,
ii) Pilgrim lodging and boarding,
iii) Pilgrimage religious needs such as Darashanam, vow
fulfillment, and Pilgrims participation in Pujas, visiting nearby
places of religious importance
iv) Sociocultural needs of pilgrims,
v) Security and Health of pilgrims,
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4.2 Pilgrim Movement
4.2.1 The present System: An Overview
Pilgrims arrive from different points and through different modes of
travel (train and buses being the predominant ones) through
Renigunta and then enter Tirupati and then proceed via Alipiri and the
Ghat road to Tirumala. So is the case with those pilgrims who walk up
the hills through Alipiri. At Tirumala, pilgrims look for accommodation
(usually for 2 days) and then plan out for darshan of the Lord.
Depending upon the number of pilgrims and the rush, TTD gears up
for them. There is another class of pilgrims called ‘week-end pilgrims’
who descend upon directly at Tirumala through buses or private
vehicles on Saturdays and Sundays. They do not take
accommodation but proceed directly to the ‘Q’ Complex and the
temple for darshan and thereafter go back the same way.
The darshan process is a need-based and ‘first-come-first-served ‘
basis in so far as the common man (the aam aadmi) is concerned.
The outcome in this existing system and scenario is uncertainty of
time taken and adhocism normally prevails. When the numbers reach
saturation point, as is the case frequently at Tirumala, delays occur.
Getting darshan could be within few hours or 1 whole day or even 2
days on week-ends, etc. This whole uncertainty has adverse impact
and bearing on the pilgrims’ psyche, his stay at Tirumala and his
return journey (mostly by train). The authorities are in crisis-solving
and ‘fire-fighting’ mode and on special occasions and festivals at
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tenterhooks. This is a similar scene in most of the religious places
and temples in the country.
Thus, viewing the present pilgrims movement trend and present
system of darshan at the temple complex at Tirumala, it is a simple
model of pilgrims arriving at Tirupati and going up to Tirumala and
returning back to Tirupati and thereafter going to their respective
destinations.
The pilgrim movement within Tirumala is also in a single file-whether
it is through the Q Complex or through VIP darshan route which
eventually join at the Main entrance and go in a single file. There is
scope for improvement in pilgrim movement by employing
computerized techniques which would not only ensure efficiency of
pilgrim movement, but also ensure more numbers of ordinary pilgrims
getting darshan besides avoiding over-crowding, increased safety
and security, etc. The Master Plan proposals should support this and
sub-serve towards this end.
4.2.2 Pilgrim Arrivals, future projections and requirements
The problems and issues of pilgrim movement and facilities at
Tirumala as well as at Tirupati are primarily arising out of the sheer
number of pilgrim inflow to Tirumala which is showing increasing
trend. The optimal number of pilgrims who can have darshan with the
present system is about 50,000 per day. Any number above this
would lead to saturation in the present management system. Annually
2.5-3 crore pilgrims have darshan of the Lord. But the day is not far-
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off when this may double (nearly 5-6 crore pilgrims would swarm the
hilltop temple).
Is Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) prepared to handle pilgrim
rush of such a magnitude?
While 60% of the pilgrims avail free darshan of the Lord, Rs 50
Sudarshan token holders constitute 16% of the total pilgrims. Pilgrims
of Rs 300 Pratyeka Pravesha (special entry) darshan stand third at
13%. Seven lakh seva ticket holders, 7.5 lakh physically challenged
persons and four lakh parents of infants, besides seven lakh VIP
Break darshan ticket holders (constituting 3%) complete the total
pilgrim arrival. But the maximum hours available for the pilgrims in a
day are 19-20 and on some days it falls to 14 hours on account of
special rituals and sevas.
Senior officials say the average time available for the pilgrims is
17.25 hours - non-VIPs 15.4 hours and VIPs 1.42 hours - though the
VIPs end up spending 3-4 hours thus eating into common pilgrims'
visiting hours. With a minimum of 45,000 to a maximum of 1.25 lakh
daily arrivals (at an average arrival of 70,000), the TTD has a gigantic
task of providing faster and quality darshan to the pilgrims. Since
convergence of pilgrims is very high on New Year, festivals,
Brahmotsavams, Vaikunta Ekadasi, summer holidays and auspicious
days, pilgrim management becomes a herculean task.
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What's the way forward? "The way to manage the queues is by either
reducing the inflows or increasing the rate of outflows or both.
However, this pilgrim darshan management can be changed and the
number enhanced at-least with a capacity of catering to about one
lakh pilgrims per day by more effective management and planning
techniques and without creating further strain or impinging on the
restricted resources and facilities at Tirumala by, viz.,
(a) the time has come of viewing Tirumala as only a transit point and
not a destination and implementing and maintaining it as such,
i.e., discouraging pilgrims to stay at the hill top and instead have
only darshan and return back to Tirupati where more stay and
related facilities are made available;
(b) Going in for ‘Base camp concept’ at Tirupati and creating more
planned townships at Tirupati with all attendant facilities for stay
and recreation and transportation for pilgrims;
(c) Putting in place a total computerized pilgrim darshan
management system which takes into account every pilgrim
visiting Tirumala;
(d) Transporting pilgrims to and from Tirupati through modern and
environmentally-friendly mass movement techniques
The above necessitate the proposals given in the following sections
of this report.
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4.3 Need for a more effective Pilgrim Movement and Darshan
Management system (PMDM)
This Sri Vari Master Plan proposes to modify and change the system
by structuring the movement and darshan of the ordinary pilgrims
who visit Tirumala. This Plan therefore lays emphasis on planned and
stream-lined system of pilgrims’ arrivals, taking into account their
numbers, their proper stay (whether at places in Tirupati or at
Tirumala), regulating the pilgrim darshan by allotting definite slots,
their movement up to Tirumala hill-top and thereafter at Tirumala, and
for darshan in the ‘Q’ Complex in a more effective manner (instead of
the single serpentine and single file of pilgrim line) and through other
ways of effective queuing system and then after darshan their return
back to the Railway station or bus station point or central point – in
other words, taking care of the ordinary pilgrim from starting point to
the end point or his return.
4.3.1 Improving the access to and from Tirumala by
Decentralising, Regulating, controlling.
At present, Alipiri is the main access point from Tirupati to Tirumala ,
with buses as the mainstay of mass pilgrim movement through the
two Ghat roads. This access issue to Tirumala needs to be modified
and changed. There are three alternatives suggested depending
upon the acceptance by TTD and the temple religious committee, viz.
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Creating and developing 2 additional access points from
i) Renigunta side directly to Papanasanam Road on the hill top
through the valley;
ii) Making access from Srinivasa Mangapuram and Srivari Mettu
more accessible and popular (in fact this route as well as the
new Renigunta route are not steep with gentle gradient
compared to the Alipiri access and the existing ghat roads).
Thus 3 main access points and network to and from Tirumala
and Tirupati should be created, i.e.,
1. Alipiri
2. Renigunta
3. Srinivasa Mangapuram
While Alipiri center would continue to cater to the motor vehicle
pilgrim users and also to those pilgrims who choose to walk on foot;
the other two centers, Renigunta and Srinivasa Mangapuram center
will either have new road or Light Rail Train/Tramway system taking
pilgrims up to Tirumala through the valleys from the respective
directions. Along these routes, provisions should also be made for
pedestrians and bicycle tracks for those pilgrims who want to go up
the hills on foot or by bicycles.
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4.3.2 Central Facilitation Centres (CFCs)
In the above Sri Vari Master Planning, it is suggested that these three
locations be developed as Integrated Central Facilitation Centres
(CFCs) where all visitors to Tirumala would get the queuing number
and accreditation directly. It is suggested that over a period of time all
visitors to Tirumala Should pass through these CFCs for efficient
pilgrim movement management.
The majority pilgrims would pass through the three CFCs at the
foothills thus streamlining a major percentage of pilgrim
movement.
Those approaching Tirumala directly through foot or
personalized vehicles destined for guesthouses on top would
be given the queue number and accreditation at the CFC at the
TET Complex on top.
The three CFCs at the foothills would be integrated with the Base
Residential Camps to ensure that with limited mobility the numerous
pilgrims can take comfortable accommodation, get queue no and
accreditation , travel to Tirumala through CNG Buses/LRT through
designated route all in one package and seamlessly.
Efficient management of this system would ensure that a large
number of pilgrims would not stay on Tirumala top in the future thus
reducing the infrastructure and management burden on TTD.
This will also make the pilgrimage more comfortable and satisfying.
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The challenge would be on TTD to manage the pilgrim movement
within the Tirumala area during normal days and especially during
Brahmotsavam.
Central Facilitation Centres (CFCs) cum Base Residential Camps
are:
1. Tirupati City Central Facilitation Centre (CFC) at Srinivasa
Mangapuram.
2. Alipiri City Central Facilitation Centre (CFC) at: Alipiri
3. Renigunta Town Central Facilitation Centre at Dhodla mitta
All these three locations and centres would be interlinked good
circulation network. Each CFC will be spread over an approximate
area of around 15 acres with ample parking and circulation areas,
amenities, administration offices, circulation lounge for pilgrims ready
to alight the transportation to Tirumala and also those retuning back
from the hilltop.
As mentioned the base camps will be attached to the CFCs in a
single complex and will be developed in the form of planned
townships catering to about 20,000 pilgrims per day each thus taking
care of around 60,000 pilgrims per day in total.
The integrated complex will be around 200 acres each.
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4.3.3 Going in for Base Residential Camp (BRCs) concept
There is a growing feeling that residential population should be
discouraged at Tirumala. This includes local populace at Balajinagar
and other areas as well as the 3800 odd cottages and scores of guest
houses. Instead some transit dormitory type accommodations could
be planned/redesigned (for pilgrims who are forced to overstay) This
facility should be combined with pilgrim nodal facilities centres
located at specified and suggested points. The rest of the area should
be made clean and green with hardy landscaping and creating a holy
and pious environment.
Instead of the above, lodging/residential facilities should be planned
and designed at three locations as mentioned below as a base-camp
with a large township spread over 150 acres at each location and
ideally all residential accommodation relocated here. This residential
base camp would be integrated with the Central Facilitation Centers
(CFCs) discussed earlier in this section.
This concept together with the transit/movement proposals
implemented and dove-tailed would ensure proper pilgrim movement
as well as giving them better amenities and facilities and help in
stream-lining the pilgrim flows and facilities for them and ultimately
result in having better darshan of the Lord.
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"Exception may however be made for VVIP movement from the
above transit system proposal as strictly as per State Protocol, viz.
having and putting a system of separate and exclusive CNG
Vehicles, parking, safety and security concerned in place"
Three locations for base camps are suggested:
1. Basecamp Cum CFC 1: Srinivasa Mangapuram
2. Basecamp Cum CFC 2: Alipiri
3. Basecamp Cum CFC 3: Dhodla mitta
At 3 locations these CFCs shall have base camps developed in the
form of planned townships catering to about 20,000 pilgrims per day
each thus taking care of around 60,000 pilgrims per day in total. All
these 3 townships shall be planned and developed with modern
layout planning with all facilities and stay and entertainment and of
course a central seva center.
All the 3 Central Facilitation Centres (Seva Centers) and the main
one at Tirumala hill top would be interlinked by LAN Computer
network.
Each and every pilgrim would have to register in any one of the
above three centers to get accreditation number and queue number.
The total area requirement per CFC is estimated to be around 50
acres. Therefore a total of 600 acres need to be identified spread
across these three locations. The calculation is done for buildings of
Stilt +9 floors with 30% ground coverage with the rest of the area left
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for parks, parking, play grounds/recreation, public facilities and
amenities, cultural centres etc.
4.3.4 Integrated Tirumala Entry Terminal (TET) Complex
It is suggested that TTD consider and Integrated Tirumala Entry
Terminal (TET) at the main entry/exit. This TET would function as a
full fledged arrival and departure lounge and should be able to
efficiently accommodate and manage the movement of around 5000
per sons per hour per day. This would mean that at a given period
around 10,000 pilgrims total would be transiting through this terminal
per hour. It is estimated that around that the total complex would
require around 40 acres and would accommodate the following
components:
TET Complex components
i) TET Block: Main terminal, CFC for direct pilgrims, Admn Office,
Amenities Centre, CCLC: 5 acre
ii) Parking Area: 10 acres
iii) BRT/LRT Stand terminal: 5 Acres
iv) Public Plaza with fountains, trees, resting areas and
recreational space for pilgrims to relax before and after the
pilgrimage: 10 acres
v) Arts and Cultural University: 5 Acres
vi) Heritage Museum and Interpretation Centre: 5 Acres
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Land needs to be demarcated for this purpose which would include
the transit areas, security, ancillary activities and management
offices. This would include a large central plaza, open congregation
space of around 10 acres which would be integrated with parks,
cultural centre, dissemination centres etc.
The pilgrims would be able to spend time in these areas in comfort
and the space planning would ensure that there is no congestion or
risk of disaster.
TET Location Map
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TET Layo ut
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4.3.5 Development of Central Logistics & Control Centre (CLCC)
It is proposed that for total coordination and management an
exclusive command and control centre including the administration of
Tirumala and TTD be located in a single block within the new TET.
This facility can be developed within the TET complex with a ground
coverage of 30% and G+3 structure of around 2.5 lakh sft with ample
parking and green space. This can accommodate 1500 workers at a
given time.
4.4 Planning for the movement of pilgrims in the future
There would be three methods of visiting the Tirumala Temple
Complex, viz,
1. Type 1: Two Tier movement: The movement would be from
Base Camps cum /CFC to TET to Tirumala and return. For
normal pilgrims the free darshanam would continue but would
depend on the queuing management system places separately
but in conjunction with the Three Tier movement. Since the
residential accommodation would be taken care of at the Base
Camps below only a minimal percentage of pilgrims would stay
back on the Hilltop within the guest houses in Tirumala area at
all thus reducing the burden on Tirumala tremendously.
Security systems would be appropriately in place.
Transportation would be through TTD operated CNG Buses or
BRT/LRT system.
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2. Type 2: Two Tier movement Two Tier movement:
Accreditation through CFC at TET Complex followed by direct
entry into Guest House in Tirumala. This would take care of the
special visitors and VIPs. Over a period of time the
personalized vehicles would need to be discouraged to keep
the Tirumala Environment clean. Battery operated carts,
minivans would ensure that pilgrims wanting to stay on guest
houses on hilltop would be catered to efficiently. It is suggedt
that TTD develop a full fledged internal transport system to
finally stop all personalized vehicles entering into Tirumala.
Only exceptional cases/VIP vehicles would be allowed.
3. Type 3: Direct Entry/ free darshanam: For normal pilgrims the
free darshanam would continue but would depend on the
queuing system in conjunction with the other two systems.
These pilgrims would need to be checked physically for security
considerations and entry would be through the TET for
regulation and management purposes. . The mode of transport
would be through foot from Alipiri as well as Srivari Mettu which
needs to be improved and popularised and the other through
the proposed mass transit light rail system so that the flow of of
large number of pilgrims can be catered to and tackled. For this
a separate and full fledged state of art security system and
establishment would be needed.
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However the tremendous challenge of handling about 4 lakh pilgrims
during Brahmotsavams and other social occasions at Tirumala would
need to be addressed in the Master Plan like having galleries around
the temple complex after the 4 Mada Streets, and the present
successful management measures employed by TTD of pilgrim
management during such occasions.
4.4.1 Making changes of separate entry and exit at temple
Complex
Central to the success of any change in the pilgrim darshan
management system is making certain basic changes in the main
temple complex, viz.,
(a) the Agama Shastras and the temple religious committee allowing
separate entry and separate exit to and from the Temple complex in
the interest of effective movement, safety and security;
(b) The Agama Shastras/Temple religious committee allowing
systems/equipment like “Walkalators or ‘moving platforms’ or ‘gallery
viewing’ be made possible within the main mandapa in front of the
Garbha Gudi without demolition of structures but involving removal or
clearance of certain grills, railings etc. so as to make the Garbha Gudi
and Lord deity visible clearly from distance, etc;
(c ) Judicious expansion of the temple with construction of extended
mandapam and shifting of certain rituals like Kalyanams, etc. to this
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area thus leaving the man in Garbha Gudi and mandapam fronting it
free for pilgrim darshan of the Lord deity.
4.4.2 Basic parameters for pilgrim movement in the future
But whatever the pilgrim management system TTD chooses from the
above, the following basic parameters and aspects would require
change and restructuring:-
(a) Regulating and chanellising pilgrim movement at Renigunta and
Tirupati
(b) From these two main entry points, registering and transporting
pilgrims by CNG operated buses or Light Rail Train system
suggested;
(c) However, if TTD wants to continue with the present system of
buses then these buses may be modified version like CNG fuel-
based or electric trolley type guided bus system. This would
necessitate APSRTC to develop bus terminals at the 3 centers
and deploy only CNG buses. Plying of private vehicles to and
from Tirumala may be restricted and only essential staff and
goods vehicles and VVIP vehicles be only allowed.
This Plan would not touch or affect the VIP Darshan system or
movement, excepting that once the restructuring and total
computerization system is in place, this restructured system can also
take account of VIPs and their movement-whether from the Airport or
rail or road-they will have to register in one of the points or one of the
three proposed Central Facilitation Centers.
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The above restructuring and change would call for:
(a) decentralized planning of facilities and amenities (off Tirumala)
(b) an integrated system of mass transportation which is pilgrim-
centric and exclusively under the operation, management and
control of TTD;
(c) devising and putting in place a total computerised pilgrim
accountability and management system that
enumerates/registers the pilgrims, gives options and allots slots
for darshan, gives options and program schedule and how to
go about it;
(d) Change in the working of TTD with a separate management-
oriented force to cater to ( c) above;
(e) restructuring of the areas in the Central Core and surrounding 6
zones of Tirumala since the above restructuring measures and
system would result a drastic reduction in over-crowding ,etc at
Tirumala and usage of the existing structures and facilities by
pilgrims
4.4.3 Proposal of management of pilgrim movement
Once the pilgrim arrives by LRT/BRTS Route1 (Srinivasa
Mangapuram Line) or 2(Renigunta Line), he gets down at the ‘Q’
Complex. He then checks into the ‘Q’ Complex No 1. Both the 2 ‘Q’
Complexes would be a modified activity center which has a special
type and design of ‘WALKALATOR’ with compartments (taking care
of safety, seating for the aged/old and infirm, etc.) and moving along
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a specified path that takes pilgrims right up to the sanctum sanctorum
(Garbha Gudi) of Lord Balaji. The speed and the time of darshan is
again computer-controlled depending upon the number of pilgrims
and surge. Instead of taking the pilgrims inside the Garbha Gudi ,
they will have the deity’s darshan from the doorstep of Garbha Gudi
for atleast a few minutes. Also depending upon the rush, 2
walkalators moving parallelly can also be planned and operated. The
exit route would not be through the main entrance, but through the
North exit (Vaikunta dwaram) and return back at ‘Q’ Complex No.2. If
this exit route is not foud suitable, the the second alternative is from
‘Ramulavari Meda and Vishwaksena Temple on the
North.Alternatively, separate entry and exit point for the Walkalators
may be devised at the present “Vendivakili” near the
Dhwajasthambam area. This would function as ‘Netradwarams’
T. T. Devasthanam’s conventional, defensive, problem solving
approach of providing and maintaining transport, accommodation and
facility for Darsanam by long queues needs basic changes. After
examining all the aspects relating to pilgrim movement throughout the
year it is observed that there is a need of integrated program in place
of fragmented one so that the pilgrims can be guided, motivated and
their movements can be better oriented to achieve best possible
management. There are definite limitations of time in proportion to the
pilgrims seeking darsanam The time factor varies in relation to
calendar, rituals / Pujas / and temple maintenance. The Puja & ritual
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needs are, calendar and time based. The pilgrim flow management
has dynamic character and cannot be programmed as constant flow
or flow of a regular acceleration or of a problem of defined variables.
Inverse proportion: The time available for darshanam reduces as
the religious programs per day increases. ln critical period which has
religious importance the number of pilgrims increases at the same
time the available time for darshanam decreases. Thus the problem
increases in almost geometrical progression and results
unmanageable precipitation of problem leading to failure of system.
Long queues accommodation and comforts provided to pilgrims in
queue cannot be considered as efficiency of management ,lt is a
temporary relief at cost of the pilgrims and unnecessary load on the
infrastructure and at the same time the continuity of problem and
chances of precipitation remains unsolved. The T. T. D. should look
forward on making a dynamic computer operated management
program to bring down the queue length and waiting period for
Darshanam after entering the temple complex.
4.4.5 Computerized Integrated Program for Pilgrim Movement
and Darshan Management system (PMDM)
Scope
The program should be able to manage the following:
(i) Registration and classification of pilgrims / tourists,
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(ii) Allotment of Accommodation to pilgrims at Tirumala and
Tirupati,
(iii) Link transport through and between Tirupati and Tirumala. ,
(iv) Booking for all Pujas.
(v) Management of Darshanam Facilities.
(vi) Alert and high light the critical occasions.
(vii) Emergency and disaster management.
Objectives
The objectives of the program should:
(i) Guided movement of pilgrims to:
Eliminate Uncertainty, insecurity feeling of the pilgrims.
Full utilization of the valuable time of the pilgrims,
Create rational sequence and order of movement.
(ii) Provide information to Pilgrims for advance planning of their
program
(iii) Make advance booking of total program of pilgrims.
(iv) Make Optimum utilization of the facilities and infra structure,
(v) Co- ordinate all the departments and human resource,
(vi) Optimum and planned utilization of Human resource in 24
hours management,
(vii) Optimum and planned utilization of Human resource in relation
to the annual calendar including their leave, holidays, overtime,
relieve etc.
(viii) Future Planning: Daily, Weekly, Monthly and annual,
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Timely alert the authorities by alarming in case of
emergencies,
Assessment and advance information of the chain of actions
and reactions
Operational System
The Program should be operational at LAN covering the different
points of pilgrim reception and heads of departments in integrated
manner. The data input system should be with minimum possible
discretion of the operator.
(i) It should be open and dynamic for logical decisions for additions
and alterations
(ii) It should be able to alert in advance for critical point in each and
every department.
(iii) It should be able to monitor and forecast the preparations level
required at every point of facility service, and control.
(iv) It should have facility to adjust in case of disaster.
(v) It should be able to coordinate between various departments,
Database of Program
The program can be made based on following data:
(i) Pilgrims statistical input including projections:
Mode of travel,
Quantitative analysis in relation to calendar and religious
programs,
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Projections. Daily, weekly, monthly, special occasions up to
2021
Attitude of pilgrims and their socio- cultural needs and their
influence
Affordable finances, and time
(ii) Temple
Religious program & Puja Schedules,
Rituals,
Capacity to hold pilgrims for Darshanams and different Pujas,
Temple maintenance,
Religious limitations
(iii) Lodging boarding accommodation at
Tirumala
At base town Tirupati,
For marriages,
Private registered with Devastanam.
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4.5 Tirumala-Tirupati Integrated Development Plan
Over a period of time, the dynamics of spatial development at
Tirumala would change. Emphasis would therefore be on making it
lush green with vast expanses of open landscaping with pristine
environment, spiritual and sacred place feeling with more
landscaping, greenery giving the image of ‘a temple in lush green
gardens environment’; call for adaptive reuse and retrofitting of
existing buildings and structures for religious, cultural activities and
pursuits, etc.
Tirupati town should be perceived as a transit point. To reach
Tirumala and Tirumala need not be seen to accommodate the
increasing population of the pilgrims
4.5.1 Connectivity to Tirumala
To facilitate effective movement to and fro Tirumala, a Light Rail Train
System/Bus Based System under the exclusive operation,
management and control of TTD is proposed. This will have two
separate routes (and not along the existing 2 ghat roads), viz., Route
1- from Srinivasa Mangapuram from the direction of Sri Vari Mettu to
TBC point and beyond; and the Route 2 from Renigunta Railway
Station via Dhodlamitta Junction and valley to reach Papanasanam
Road and beyond though Tirumala.
This Light Rail Train System/Bus Based System would have an
extended network within Tirupati town and interconnecting the 3 CFC
cum BRCs in such a way that this could be used as local
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transportation within Tirupati and surroundings (with a separate
ticketing system for this). This LRTS interconnection would also
facilitate management of the 3 CFC cum BRCs (if one gets filled then
the pilgrims could be transported to others, etc)
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4.6 Tirumala Master Plan a boon for the local economy
There may be hesitation initially from local residents of Tirupati
apprehending adverse impact on their economy by this restructured
system-especially there could be opposition from local tour and
vehicle operators whose livelihood may be affected by the above-
mentioned Tirumala LRT/BRTS.
The system should be developed in sync with the overall
development of Tirupati town. The awareness campaign by TTD
should ensure that the medium and long term benefits to all residents
of Tirupati should be publicized properly.
As an efficient system would lead to more economic development
and actually assist the local economy. It is clear that the base camps
would also just suffice to the increasing popularity of Tirumala.
There will still be large potential for local hoteliers, tour operators,
retails business persons to grow along with this.
The restructured pilgrim movement plan would have a ‘spread effect’
and ‘diversification effect’ on Tirupati, since for most part of the
pilgrims’ sojourn to Tirumala darshan, a large part of time will be
spent in Tirupati. This would give rise to increased supporting trade
and commerce entertainment and recreation needs. etc.
For those affected directly and adversely by the physical
development suitable rehabilitation measures may be undertaken by
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TTD along with TUDA/TMC and GoAP by way of alternative
employment in each of the 6 centres/townships can be thought of.
4.7 Tirupati-Tirumala Tourism Circuit
The above mentioned proposals taking a regional development
approach should include an integrated tourism development plan to
facilitate the movement and visit of pilgrims/tourists to various other
places of importance for the pilgrims.
This would have a positive spin-off in the overall economy and the
benefits would percolate to the local population at large. This can be
taken up by APTDC as a full-fledged separate plan and projects.
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CHAPTER 5 SRIVARI MASTER
PLAN
5.1 Planning at Tirumala Hill-top
The pilgrim movement and darshan restructuring system’s greater
portion of success would depend upon the changes that would be
necessitated at Tirumala for ensuring a smooth and hassle-free
darshan for the common pilgrim. Before one discusses this in detail,
one basic thing is compulsorily required at Tirumala Temple, viz.
having a separate entry and exit within the temple in the interest of
effective pilgrim movement and above all the increasing safety and
security threat. As mentioned earlier in this report, it is suggested that
TTD consider and Integrated Tirumala Entry Terminal (TET) at the
main entry/exit. This TET would function as a full fledged arrival and
departure lounge and should be able to efficiently accommodate and
manage the movement of around 5000 per sons per hour per day.
This would mean that at a given period around 10,000 pilgrims total
would be transiting through this terminal per hour. It is estimated that
around 50 acres of land needs to be demarcated for this purpose
which would include the transit areas, security, ancillary activities and
management offices. This would include a large central plaza, open
congregation space of around 20 acres which would be integrated
with parks, cultural centre, dissemination centres etc.
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The pilgrims would be able to spend time in these areas in comfort
and the space planning would ensure that there is no congestion or
risk of disaster.
5.2 Broad Zoning Plan for Tirumala
The Zoning of Tirumala Complex is suggested of dividing Tirumala
Complex into 7 distinct zones with distinct road boundaries which
would not only help in the regulation of activities, land uses and
allocation of lands/plots, etc., but also help the TTD management in
regulating and help the pilgrims in identifying the areas, evolving
signages, etc.
The 7 Zones are suggested as follows:
(i) Zone 1: The Core Area, i.e., the Temple and its immediate
surrounding proper, the Koneru, main Mandapam, etc. The
zone is the central area of Tirumala which is bounded by a well-
defined inner circular road consisting of nothing else but the
temple proper, main mandapams, and vast vistas, open
mandapams, landscaped areas and spaces for pilgrim
congregation for darshans, festivals and major religious events-
All other activities like existing shopping complex, kalyan katta,
Mathas, Ram Bagicha Guest house would be relocated from
here to other zones.
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(ii) Zone 2: The Pilgrim Amenities Zone: upto the
proposed/designated Ring Road
(which shall house all pilgrim facilities excluding
dormitories/open mandapas, relocation of Kalyan Katta,
Shopping Complex, etc
(iii) Zone 3: Pilgrim (M) Residential Zone: The Southern portion
of Zone 1 i.e., the Toll Gate/entrance to Tirumala and other
middle order accommodation areas
(iv) Zone 4: Pilgrim (H) Residential Zone: The immediate West
of Zone 3 and housing all VIP accommodation areas
(v) Zone 5: Recreational & Environmental Zone: The
recreational area, and the environmentally conservation area
including the Alwar tank, Narayangiri Gardens, Valley, etc
(vi) Zone 6:The institutional and Cultural Zone - North of Zone 5
and west of Zone 1 housing all the Museums, Cultural centers,
Mathas, Veda Patshala, etc.
(vii) Zone 7: The Utilities Zone: covering the Gas plant, SWD
area, Pumping/water supply areas, crushing Mill unit, etc.
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5.3 The Core Area (Temple Complex Area)
Relocation of activities in and around main temple complex
(i) Kitchen area presently located within main temple complex on
the south-east corner – can it be shifted out ? – one option is to
relocate the entire kitchen and laddu counter/Prasad in the
Hajiram Mutt area (taking over of this area by TTD) but without
demolition of the existing buildings, making use of the buildings
for kitchen –adaptive reuse. OR if this is not feasible, going in
for Option at para 3 below.
(ii) Need for a separate EXIT GATE within the temple complex so
that the huge hordes of pilgrim movement could be distributed.
This includes the prasadam area and opening in the North wall
in the North-east quadrant of the temple complex.
(iii) The open area of North-west quadrant may be utilized for
stoarage of foodgrain/food articles/ kitchen complex and laddu
and prasadam area
(iv) Construct a separate mandapam for Kalyanam and other
rituals/poojas on west quadrant in such a way ( a pillared hall)
so as to seamlessly extend the main temple complex without
feeling it to be an annexe, and with a suitable corridor entry by
increasing the praganam for such pilgrims-who would then join
the main queue of Lord darshan on the western wall).
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(v) The area in between (3) above and Konneru STP area could be
planned for priests resting quarters and balance area suitable
landscaped.
(vi) The area in between the semi-circular Q Complexes could be
designed as Museum depicting the themes of
Vaibhavam/Puranas/Dashavatar with sound and light
shows/sculptures and separately screening of documentaries,
movies, etc. With entrance from the Q Complex for the benefit
of the pilgrims who spend long time in the Q Complex.
(vii) All the new additions and extensions should be totally in
consultation with agama shastra pundits and vaastu shastra
pundits and the structures should not dominate but blend and
be in harmony with the main temple complex.
(viii) The other areas outside the temple complex and outside they 4
Mada streets (which also need to be widened suitably to 80 ft
west road and south while the north and east ones could be
made to 100 ft respectively.) could be redesigned by having
open galleries like open auditorium for usage at the time of
Brahmavatsoms and other procession occasions which attract
large congregation of pilgrims/public.
(ix) A Zoning development plan need to be evolved for an area of
500 meters outside the proposed Ring Road and developed
strictly as green buffer/thick avenue plantation. Only beyond the
500 green belt, should other activities planned and designed in
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harmony with the surroundings with alteast 50% of the ground
coverage as greenery/vegetation.
(x) The area in front of main temple complex (eastern side) till the
Rambagicha Complex , including the area covered by Hajiram
Mutt and adjoining structures till the westend road (if found not
feasible for (1) above) should be suitably landscaped with open
seating arrangements/benches and greenery/ fountains/
sculptures Existing structures like asthana Mandapam, etc be
retained and adapted to the main landscaped park.
(xi) The main entrance to the temple complex between the above –
mentioned landscaped park and Rambagicha Complex be
further developed as an 100 ft walkway with good landscaping
and sculptures.
(xii) The Annadanam Complex may be retained while the other
existing structures like Kalyankatta Complex be relocated
outside the Ring Road within the proposed main seva complex
as well decentralised in the suggested nodal seva centres
along the proposed Ring Road.
(xiii) The main bus terminus located in the west would be required to
be relocated outside the proposed Ring Road since the
objective is to make the inner core area of Tirumala vehicular
traffic-free. This would help structure vehicular traffic movement
along the proposed Ring Road.
(xiv) The Inner Circular Road may be suitably developed with
avenue plantation along both sides, with a 30 ft. wide footpath
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for pilgrims and developed with suitable street furniture. The
footpath should be properly integrated with (a) the Q
Complexes (b) nodal amenities centres (c) tramway/guided bus
system stations/stops (d) parking lots
5.4 Activity Nodes
At 10 Points/Junctions, Nodal Amenities enters are proposed. These
would be a one-stop destination for pilgrims with all amenities and
facilities including Enquiry Office, Rooms/ Accommodation booking
office, Dormitory facility, room type accommodation, parking,
interchange point for battery-operated vehicles(for to & fro inner area
of temple precinct), internet kiosks, shopping center, ATMs, Toilet
block, etc.
The 10 Nodal Centers located along the Periphery Road are: (1)
adjoining HVDC Enquiry Office (2) Ashwini Hospital Junction (3)
Sanku Mitta junction (4) near Ananda Alwar Thota junction (5) Opp.
Q Complex II (6) near Mysore Choultry (7) near Officers ‘A’Type
Quarters Junction (8) Near Type ‘B’ Quarters (9) Near police
Quarters (10) Near Panchajanyam Guest House .
The respective 10 Station halts would be developed integrated with
these Nodal centers inside the North and South Zone precincts. Thus
a total of 22 Nodal centers would be developed integrating it with the
pedestrian movement system.
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The locations of the said Nodal centres at above-mentioned junction
points shall be undertaken preferably in nearest vacant sites. In few
places, existing buildings would need to adapted for this purpose with
additions and alterations as necessary.
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5.5 Transportation & Circulation Plan
A transport-led solution for structuring the to and fro pilgrim
movement in Tirumala is suggested. The proposals consist of (a)
structuring pilgrim movement within Tirumala and (b) structuring
Pilgrim movement to and from Tirumala.
Structuring pilgrim movement within Tirumala
The proposals consists the following strategies:
(i) Limiting the motorized vehicular movement along the proposed
Ring Road of 30 meters (100 ft.) width and a central Arterial
Road of 24 m (80 ft.) which divides Tirumala into North Zone
(Temple Precinct) and South Zone (Residential and Pilgrim
Amenities/Facilities Zone) respectively.
(ii) In view of the sheer number of pilgrims visiting Tirumala there is
a need for developing a mass transit system both within Tirumala
(to chanellise the mass movement in the temple town) as well as
in and around Tirupati and Renigunta – the two main entry routes
to Tirumala.
In the past various options were suggested and one of these was the
Ropeway Project. However, due to its limitation of speed and volume,
it cannot considered as additional mass transport system, Hence it
may not have considerable impact on the modal distribution and in all
cases the mass transport system will be preferred.
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(i) A mass transit system either a Light Rail Transit System or
alternatively a high capacity guided Bus Transit System on
Tirumala hill-top (which would be a double track narrow
gauge rail for a two-way direction operations; alternatively
the guided bus transit system with a 300 bus capacity) to
take care of pilgrims’ transit within the main activities areas
at Tirumala.
(ii) A Pedestrian movement pattern and facilities plan for all
roads within the above-mentioned North and South Zone
and peripheral road.
From the World Wide Web (translink.com)
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Regional Connectivity & Transport vis-a-vis Tirupati region
Tirupati Tirumala Link transport by RTC. Busses, / Taxies /
Eight Wheelers etc
Local transport facilities at Tirupati and Tirumala,
Administration:
The existing supremacy of the TTD and its executive on the
total control of the development is necessary because of the
special character of the city, The important factor of planning
and regional aspect cannot be left unconsidered.
The Tirumala need not be under TUDA but there should be
Coordination and inter dependence in planning. The
independence of TTD is required for the good management and
administrative purpose but the planning of development should
be under regional authority.
5.5.1 Tirumala Road Pattern
The main roads and ring roads are planned in coordination to
contours in harmony to topography.
The aims and objectives of future development of roads are
visualized as follows:
(i) The pedestrian traffic should be maximum.
(ii) The central area consisting of zone of Temple and religious use
and the retail shopping area should be vehicle free precinct.
(iii) The need of local vehicular traffic should be minimum.
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(iv) The expansion of town should be to keep the need of local
vehicular traffic minimum and manageable by nonpolluting public
transport modes.
(v) The mass local public transport should move on ring roads so
that the distance from any point to the bus stop will be walkable
(vi) Retain the harmony of road pattern with topography.
(vii) Retain the hierarchy of zones,
(viii) Enough parking should be provided all round the vehicle free
precinct.
Revised alignment of 30 m (100 ft.) Peripheral Road within
Tirumala
The revised alignment is shorter, consisting of strengthening the
existing roads and construction of only about 2.4 km of new
formation. This peripheral road is suggested to contain the vehicular
traffic movement within Tirumala for the purpose of safety, traffic
control, pilgrim movement control and above-all enhancing the
environment at Tirumala.
Total length: 4.48 km.
Existing roads strengthening: 2.48 km.
Proposed new links: 2. 4 km.
The alignment suggested is as follows: (Clock-wise direction)
Point-A: Starting from Point (A) along the Tirupati-Tirumala main road
which is about 500 meters before the main Toll Gate Arch.Takes left
– new formation till Sannidhanam Guest House Complex to join the
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outer-most semi-circular road of Garudadadri Nagar.Then alignment
follows the semi-circular road till HVDC Enquiry Building-then goes
parallel to 2nd semi-circular road (this is a new formation) till point
before junction of 2nd semi-circular road.
From here it follows existing Annamayya Bhavan road and goes
towards Ashwini Hospital Junction. From Ashiwini Hospital Junction it
goes left along existing road via Vishnu Nilayam and Sri Lakshmi
Nilayam. Here after Sri Lakshmi Nilayam, the alignment is slightly
smoothened and goes by side of Sriniketan and side of Balaji Guest
House to intercept the Sanku Mitta Road and goes along existing
road going to Anand Alwar Tank Junction and from there all-along the
existing road via Q-Complex, S V Museum, Sringeri Shankar Math,
Mysore Choultry, Khasi math, Vijaya Bank, Officers Quarters ‘A’ type,
Varahaswamy Guest House II till Papanasanam Road Junction.
-From Papanasanam Road Junction new alignment is proposed via
South of GG Dham Treatment Plant and theh takinga south direction
curve and passing outside Type ‘B’ and Type ‘D’ Quarters to join
existing road near S V High School at Point E.
-From Point E again a new alignment passing in between Police
Quarters and Balaji Nagar and then going east of Kausthambam
Guest House and again straight down adjoining ‘F’ Type Quarters till
Point ‘G’.
From Point ‘G’ the alignment goes along the foothills towards west to
meet the point adjoining APSRTC Tirumala Bus depot and then
straight down to meet near Petrol Pump and then to Toll Gate Circle
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and the existing Tirupati-Tirumala Road and to the starting Point
‘A’(before the Ghat road).
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5.5.2 Hierarchy of Road Pattern
(i) The Roads reaching Main Bus stand from Tirupati (Ghat Roads)
will have status of State High Way.
(ii) The ring road (carrying Public Transport as well as local vehicular
traffic) will be arterial road.
(iii) All roads connection the main arterial road to the internal streets
of the residential area will be main roads.
(iv) Streets will be connecting the main roads with each building
(i) Peripheral Road: Consisting of 2 lanes divided carriage way on
either side, pedestrian walkways of 9 ft on either end sides, 8
ft. green strip between pedestrian walkway and parking lanes,
Parking lanes (kerb-side parking) of 9 ft. on either side.
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All existing roads within/ inside the peripheral road will have the
following cross-sections:
(a) Central Arterial Road of 24 m (80 ft.)
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(b) Main Roads: 60 ft wide roads
With 30 ft. pedestrian way and space for a 2-lane battery operated
vehicle and a 7 feet greenery in between the pedestrian walkway and
the Battery operated vehicle lanes.
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(c) Local roads 1: 40 ft. wide roads
With a 20 ft. Pedestrian walkway and 20 ft Battery operated lanes
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(d) Local roads 2: 30 ft. wide roads
With a 15 ft. Pedestrian walkway and 15 ft Battery operated lanes
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(e) 20 ft. wide streets
With a 10 ft. Pedestrian walkway and 10 ft Battery operated lanes
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However, till such time the Western and Eastern part of the proposed
Peripheral Road is formed and completed, the movement restriction
of vehicles inside the North Zone Precinct may be confined to the
existing Tirupati –Tirumala main road connecting the Papanasanam
Road on the East and North, and the above-mentioned Arterial Road
from Garuda Circle connecting Sanku Mitta road on West. In other
words, the pedestrian zone may be presently confined to the temple
precinct bounded by Tirupati-Tirumala Road on west, Garuda Circle-
Sanku Mitta Road arterial road on south. Existing peripheral road
stretch on North and west respectively.
5.5.3 The pedestrian traffic
Area all round the temple, Commercial retail shopping near Kalyan
Katta is made vehicle free. Pilgrims will be able to reach temple and
the central commercial area on foot from any point within the inner
circle. Each and every corner of the town will be within walkable
distance from Public Transport System.
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5.5.4 The Public Transport System Route
It is suggested that a series of measures be undertaken to ensure
efficient and effective mass transit systems keeping in view the
current and future needs of the pilgrims at Tirumala.
External Connectivity
Two major routes are suggested for road as well as rail based
approach to Tirumala
(i) The LRTS/Guided Bus System should be extended from
Srinivas Mangapuram till Alimellu Mangapuram at Tirchanur
through a straight alignment through outskirts of Tirupati along
the existing main road.
(ii) From Tiruchanur, the LRTS/Guided Bus System should be
extended to Alipiri via main Tirupati city i.e., south point of
Tirupati Railway station in Tirupati.
For implementation, operation and maintenance of the above LRTS
/Guided Bus Transit System Project, a separate SPV would be
required to be constituted with TTD, APSRTC and the LRTS/Guided
bus operator as equal partners.
Light Rail Transit System / Guided Bus Transit System
These shall consist of narrow-guage (similar to one in operation in
Ooty) along 2 routes (alternatively a guided bus transit system) , viz.,
Srinivasa Mangapuram to Tirumala Route (via Sri vari Mettu ) and
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Renigunta –Tirumala route (via Dhodlamitta and valley to
Papanasanam road)
The LRTS RoW shall be 9 m (30 ft.) –for enabling the 2 tracks in, one
in each direction, with station halts spaced at 300 meters apart. The
coaches shall be semi-open type to facilitate quick ingress and
egress with ample luggage storage etc. In case of guided bus transit
system, it shall be special buses with mainly standing type with a
capacity of 300 per bus.
Operational speed 40-50 km per hour and frequency of 5 mnts at
peak hours and 15 minutes at non-peak hours.
The light rail train/Guided Bus system should be one well-designed
and managed circulation circuit. This would do a whole lot of good to
the main town of Tirupati and it’s economy too (by way of contribution
of share of revenue to the civic body and TUDA by TTD since it
impacts this town.
Even the initial capital cost is heavy it is still worth it and justifies the
volumes of passengers ridership.
Internal transportation
Vehicular traffic movement should not be allowed within/inside the
entire Peripheral road except along the identified east-West Arterial
road connecting Balajinagar, Garuda Circle, Lepakshi Museum,
Coffee Board Canteen, SNC and Sanku Mita Road.
Inside the peripheral road i.e., in North and South Zone Precincts,
movement will be restricted through the following means:
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(a) Pollution free public transport buses will run in clockwise and anti
clock wise direction continuously touching all important places
and areas along the peripheral road.
(b) Battery-operated 8-seater vehicles which would be available at
specified points including the 10 Nodal Amenities complex
(c) Pedestrian Walkways: Wide footpaths are proposed on one side
of the roads/streets to cater to the large number of walkers. The
smaller footpath on the other side is proposed as a infrastructure
corridor and to provide buffer to the buildings.
5.5.5 Eco-friendly transportation
It is suggested that all technologies of eco friendly
transportation including battery buses, electricity based
LRT/BRT be explored and implemented setting the tone for
long term sustainability and energy saving is done.
5.5.6 Parking
(i) All round the vehicle free central precinct will are provided with
sufficient parking place.
(ii) Parking spaces will be provided near all public building such as
central reception office at TET, Bus stand, etc.
(iii) Within residential area off street parking will be available.
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5.5.7 Traffic regulation and Pilgrim Guidance:
To regulate the traffic and guide pilgrims there shall be Traffic warden
volunteers posted at:
every LRTS Station Halt
Nodal facilities centers
All parking areas of battery-operated vehicles
in front of specified Buildings
5.6 Overall Urban design treatment and landscaping of North
and South precincts:
(i) Pedestrianising the inner roads with walkways would give an
opportunity of enhancing the greenery by way of avenue tree
plantations, greening the interstitial spaces with lawns and
flowering shrubs in front of every institute premises. Maintaining
the greenery would enhance the quality of environment of
Tirumala. Along all the pedestrian Walkways and Peripheral
road, avenue plantation shall be undertaken with shade-giving
tree canopy for pilgrim comfort. Around each tree, circular bench
for rest would be constructed.
(ii) Each and every compound housing the various buildings shall
be planned with trees at the rate of one tree for every 50 sqm of
open area so as to transform Tirumala into a natural, green
environment.
The Northern Precinct would require appropriate urban design
interventions to enhance the monumental quality of the temple
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area and surroundings by way of trees, gardens, fountains,
statues of religious significance, etc.
(iii) Making the main temple premises more tuned to free flow of
pilgrims, viz. by having a separate exit gate (at the rear or on the
north using the Vaikunat dwaram or the Ramulawari Meda or
separate entry and exit point for walkaltors at the Vendivakili
point) so that the main entrance gate and mandapam do not get
clogged; relocation of the laddu and free prasadam area within
the Temple complex towards the rear side; relocating the hundi
counting area, kalyanam function and all such similar functions
relocated elsewhere, etc.
(iv) Creation of a larger temple complex with larger perimeter of
walls, keeping the main temple central and core to this larger
complex around the main temple which should be very spacious,
have large areas for circulation, good landscaping, and based on
agama shastras and vaasthu sastras, wherein in future certain
activities as well as pilgrim darshan movement could be better
reorganized. The whole new and existing complex should be as
pleasant and nice ambience (in spite of the large tide and flow of
pilgrims) as the Akshardham Complex or the Angkor Vat
Complex in Cambodia.
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There are thus 3 basic aspects of improving the physical environment
of the temple complex :
i) Regulating the ingress and egress to Tirumala hilltop by banning
all types of motorized vehicles to Tirumala and instead design and
execute a mass transit system like Tramway/LRTS or Guided Bus
system –right from Tirupati to Tirumala as discussed earlier. This
would ease the congestion in Tirupati and ensure in streamlining
of pilgrim movement.
ii) Regulating the ingress and egress within the main temple complex
iii) Re-planning/ redesigning of the pilgrim amenities and facilities at
Tirumala
However, in the interim, TTD should regulate the vehicular
movement, viz. by -
(i) Terminating all vehicles at Alipiri (making it a transit hub
)From here making it compulsory for all including TTD staff
to use the CNG buses (to be operated by TTD-APSTRC
jointly). Strictly no private or government vehicles should be
allowed on the hilltop.
(ii) If (i) is found not logistically or operationally feasible, then
making it compulsory that all vehicles going up or down
Tirumala be using only CNG.
(iii) Terminating all vehicles outside the 100 ft wide Peripheral
road (alignment finalized and completed by TTD) and have
all transit-oriented facilities on the outer-side of this 100 ft
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wide Peripheral road. Inside the Peripheral road, making it
pedestrainized (allowing only battery operated mini
buses/vehicles on specified roads) –making it vehicle-free
zone.
Clearing of all structures (excepting the ancient structures and
artifacts and those which are found viable for redevelopment) both
private as well public/trusts within 1 km radius of the temple complex
and redesigning to accommodate the decentralized and dispersed
functions of the main temple including the planning and designing for
the annual Brahmavotsams (wherein up to 4 lakh pilgrims congregate
per day) with an appropriate urban design elements and upholding
agama shastras and vasthu sastras. This should also factor in the
main tramway terminal if suggestion at 14 (i) and (ii) are agreed to.
On the additions and extensions of the Temple complex proper, the
following is suggested:
(i) Construction of a inner periphery wall (Prahigoda)(Square or near
square shape) with 4 Gopurams ( not very high or very imposing
than the inner temple) at cardinal points at a distance of 300 or
1000 ft. from the centre.
(ii) Inside this area could be designed all the mandapas for all rituals
and poojas of the Lord, location of the Prasadam counters/
kitchen for making ladoos and prasadams, separtae security arae
for kanuka/currency counting and depository, etc.
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(iii) Next Prahihari wall with similar Gopurams at cardinal points may
be built at a distance of 3300 ft or about 1 km from the center.
This space between the inner and outer wall may be utilised for
Brahmaotsavams, housing all cultural activities and buildings
including museums, essential quarters of the priests, etc.
(iv) No other residential accommodation should be allowed in these
two perimeter walls. The 4 Mada Streets would accordingly be
shifted further outwards and make them more spacious and wide
of atleast 30 meters wide with provisions for gallery viewing by
devotees.
5.7 Signages and directional Boards
These shall be displayed at prominent locations at 12-15 ft height in 3
Languages (Telugu, Hindi and English) showing directions to Temple
and other prominent places in Tirumala and Bus Stands, Battery
operated vehicle stands, Nodal Amenities Centers, etc.
5.8 Heritage & Conservation.
The original image of the settlement should be strictly maintained
include the interrelation of important religious nodes such as
Temples, water bodies, and procession area. The area within and
around the temple religious procession route should be considered as
primary key sensitive area this will include area within the circle of
Mada Street and area around including Hall of Thousand pillars, Sri
Anjaneya Temple Srivari Koneru etc. The objective should be to
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retain the visual importance and hierarchy of the structures in this
sensitive area without permitting further damage by massive new
structure of high profile and level.
The Temple, Srivari Koneru, and all round the Mada Street are the
most important places of heritage. The thousand Pillar Hall, Hatiram
Math and the other structures of have their own importance in
retaining the image of the town and hence they should be not only
protected but the surrounding development should not cause its
shadow on them. The low rise residential area all round Mada Street
is indirectly enveloping the area all round the temple by providing a
visually separation between the new development and old Structures
of hereditary importance. Mada Street has its own hereditary
importance specially related to the religious processions as part of
important rituals. lt is important to note that only during these
processions including the Ratha Yatra, Brahmotsavam and the
pilgrims and the local population gets an opportunity to make
offerings in front of the Utsav Murty of Deity which is otherwise not
permitted inside the temple. During such rituals and festivals the
Deity comes outside and becomes approachable directly hence these
processions have high sentimental values for pilgrims and local
residents also, lt is proposed that:
(i) Conservation of all such structures should be done with utmost
care
(ii) The conservation will also take in consideration the control on the
surrounding development
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(iii) The Temple is situated in lowest level as compared to the
topography of surrounding area hence the new structures to be
constructed in future should not make negative visual impact on
the temple and the Mada street in any manner reducing its
hierarchy.
5.9 Infrastructure Services
5.9.1 Water Supply
At present the water supply become scares in summer as the
demand goes up because of increase in pilgrim population in the
end of may and at the same time the consumption to maintain the
green areas also increases, The use of water for purposes other
than drinking is to a great extent reduced and controlled by not
providing the taps inside the rooms in more than 70%
accommodation. This system appears inconvenient to pilgrims but
it also helps to a great extent in minimizing the wastage caused
due to carelessness of pilgrims. Deciding the ideal conditions of
comforts of the users is of high concern but the provisions should
also be in accordance and matching to the attitude of the users.
Nevertheless the emphasis on water supply will have to be
increased in proportion to the pilgrim population and the area of
the city but at the same time the overall objective should be to
contain the wastage and misuse. The needs are fulfilled but the
system of accessibility should be such that the pilgrims will be
motivated to use minimum water.
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The need of water supply increase tremendously. The demand
can be fulfilled by:
(i) Utilising the existing Water bodies for non potable uses.
(ii) Increasing the water table with the help of recycling,
(iii) Reusing the water available from sewerage disposal after
treatment for gardens and development of urban forests.
(iv) Rain water harvesting and
(v) Check dams.
The Tirumala Hills has huge potential of rainwater harvesting where
by water can be collected on rooftops and stored in underground
tanks. The rainwater by natural drainage can be collected in stop
dams. The topography of the hills provides potential sites for the
collection of rainwater.
The rain harvesting and stop dams will not only provide additional
water but will also help in maintaining the water table and as well in
raising the water table.
5.9.2 Drainage
Tirumala is gifted with natural drainage system due to its topography.
Till now the natural drainage is retained but not properly exploited for
advantages. The existing system is harmonious to the topography
and has caused no damage to natural drainage system. ln future
development the planners should be extra cautious in maintaining the
harmony and exploit the topography and natural drainage. For rain
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water harvesting the topography should be exploited instead of purely
depending on existing water bodies.
The goal of future development should be as suggested:
i) The development should not damage the natural drainage.
ii) The future development should be planned cautiously so that
available natural drainage will help in reducing the development
cost.
iii) The recycling of water can be done for meeting the shortages.
iv) The natural drainage system should be kept pollution tree.
5.9.3 Sewerage
If the pollution is to kept under control it can be done only by
sewerage system Well designed sewerage and sewerage disposal
system will not only provide a healthy and hygienic environment but
will also help in retaining the natural drainage unpolluted, The future
development should not leave any part of the settlement unconnected
with proper sewer system. The disposal should generate manure and
alternate source of energy,
The existing system of sewerage in accordance to the topography
should be followed in future development also. The decentralized
disposal system should be exploited for recycling of water and
production of manure required for agriculture and horticulture. This
system will also produce gas, which can be used as alternate source
of energy.
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5.9.4 Solid Waste
TTD has awarded the solid waste disposal and pelletisation project to
a private firm through a bid process. This was partially implemented
but stopped during operations and abandoned since the project was
later perceived to be unviable. This aspect needs to be relooked by
TTD and the said project revived albeit in consultation with the AP
Pollution Control Board or established private companies who have
better experience in such solid waste projects. PPP can be explored
in this case.
5.10 Energy
Electricity
The demand of electricity will increase as the development area
increases and the number of users increases. The demand can be
minimized in future due to technological advancement in lighting and
ventilation. It is proposed that stress should be laid on production of
non-conventional energy. Tirumala hills as high potential of wind
tunnels for wind mills. At present already windmills are erected in
Tirumala but further sites should be identified and exploited for future.
Energy Conservation
The conservation of energy can be practiced in two ways;
By stress on Solar Passive Architecture.
By control of wastage of energy by motivation and as well as by
technological control.
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Tirumala climate is most suitable for solar passive architecture. In
future development of infrastructure for pilgrims the built form should
be designed to get maximum advantage of natural light and
ventilation. The landscaping should be used as tool to (a) Increase
the energy conservation efficiency of built form and (b) To encourage
outdoor living
Solar Passive Architecture
The maximum pilgrim accommodation is in form of cottages. In recent
past and in present development TTD has laid stress of huge
choultries three storied for lodging. On one hand these structures
have ruined the proportion of built volume to the volume of green and
at the same time has no consideration solar passive built form. The
cottages within the heavy green plantation are most suitable,
comfortable and harmonious to the townscape. It is proposed that to
increase the density in future dwelling units should be built with part
basement, ground + One floor structure. Such cottages within the
heavy green plantation will be less dependent on artificial ventilation
and will not have visual pollution designs of all structure should be
with proper orientation and solar passive.
Control of wastage of energy
Electronic and electric devices to control the wastage of electrical
energy by pilgrims can be used at all places. These include automatic
switching off system when the lodging rooms are locked from outside.
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Non Conventional Energy
The windmills installed for production of non-conventional electrical
energy should be further increased in number. New strategic location
should be surveyed and exploited irrespective of initial cost.lt is
observed that water heating consumes considerable electrical
energy. The heating system for pilgrims common bathing places
should be done by solar energy the big kitchen can also reduce the
consumption of electrical energy by depending on solar energy.
The hills have great potential of wind energy, which should be further
exploited by identifying the new sites for installation of windmills. The
use of solar energy should be used for water heating in pilgrims
tonsuring and bathing places, in choultries, guest houses and Kitchen
5.11 Green Buildings and Green Township
It is suggested that all buildings in Tirumala be retrofitted and
refurbished into energy efficient buildings.
This will lead to a tremendous saving of energy and also help in
sustainable development.
Pilot projects can be taken up and then scaled up.
Finally effort should be made to transform the whole of Tirumala into
a green township.
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5.12 Health & Sanitation
Sanitation should be maintained and all precautions should be taken
to prevent spread of any contagious diseases. The emergency
services should be kept in order to meet any disaster or accident
The hospital facilities should be such that it should be able to meet
any accident and large-scale first aid facilities in case of disaster.lt
should be equipped to provide interim emergency treatment of any
nature to pilgrims and as well as to the local residents. The treatment
facilities may be kept limited to seasonal illness and short term
treatment. Specialized treatments, surgery etc, should not be
provided on hills which may result in attraction of referred cases from
outside. Such facilities should be limited for local resident population
and further facilities should be provided in Tirupati.
Overall improvement in the infrastructure systems will also ensure
proper health and sanitation conditions in Tirumala.
5.13 Education
The policy of basic policy of limiting the local resident population can
be only sustained by providing the education facilities limited to
sustainable level of the local residents. Hence sufficient facilities
accommodating children of local population up to level of secondary
education should be provided .The higher collegiate level education
will not be sustainable by the local population and may attract the
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residents from other areas of the region. Hence residential schools
and higher education should not be permitted.
5.14 Landscape & Urban Forestry
With the status of Tirumala as a transit point, the need for future
construction of guest houses and additional accommodations should
be curbed. As a result many areas would become available for open
space and greenery and landscaping development. The future
development of Tirumala should be greenery oriented. ln this
proposed Master plan, care is taken to maintain the existing density
of the green mass and also provided new green open spaces in
proportion to the proposed area for development, The central zone
around the temple is identified as critical area for of immediate action
for improvement of greenery, which is almost without any trees.
Apart from the above, an area of about 10 acres adjoining the STP on
the north-east is identified for flower garden catering to the daily
requirement of huge quantity of flowers for the temple complex and
rituals. This should be developed and maintained by TTD taking the
help of the state Horticulture Department, and grey water from the
disposal sites be used by recycling.
Plantation for comfort of pilgrims stay and out door activities.
The comforts pilgrims stay depends mostly on the greenery and
intelligent use of urban forestry. Following aspects should be
considered while preparing detail zonal plan for the future
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development, The movement of pedestrian pilgrims between
residence to temple area continues all Twenty-Four hours without
break, Pilgrims also spend the leisure time to relieve themselves from
the tiredness in passive and active outdoor recreation under the
shady trees and enjoying the scenic beauty of natural forest all-
around,
The tree shelters in open parks are natural relief segregated from the
heavy rush of the central area. The tree plantation all around the
residential cottages/ accommodation provides effective natural air-
conditioning eliminating the need of coolers and air conditioners
Haritha Project
The Haritha Project was launched by TTD to conserve ground water
resources and the forests on the Tirumala Hills. Developmental
activities are being taken up on a massive scale under this project by
the TTD Forest Department, based on the satellite image of the areas
provided by the State Forest Department.
Objectives
To conserve rain water and improve the ground water level
To plant about 1 crore saplings
To green 29,500 acres of forest area, belonging to TTD and the
State government, within 3 years
To protect the forests from fire
To develop the areas adjoining the important tirthas.
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Conservation of Water
TTD has constructed several cement checkdams, contour trenches,
masonry embankments and percolation tanks to prevent the rain
water from draining off the Seshachala Hills.Eighty kilometre long
peripheral trenches have been dug from Rangampeta to Kodur.
Besides, 89 checkdams, 136 Gabrion checkdams, 3884 rock fill dams
have been built. Check dams have also been constructed on the first
and second ghat roads from Tirupati to Tirumala to prevent the
draining of water and the erosion of soil.These sustained efforts have
contributed in a substantial improvement in the ground water level. A
report given by the Department of Groundwater mentions an increase
of 3.155 million cubic metres and 6.59 million cubic metres of
recharge in groundwater in the years 2000 and 2001 respectively.
Planting of Seedlings
Over 65 lakh seedlings such as those of Red Sanders, Margosa,
Teak, Sampangi, Tamarind, Gooseberry and Blackberry have been
planted under the Haritha project. Over 40 tons of seeds of Margosa,
Tamarind and Blackberry have also been planted.
Protection from Forest Fires
To protect the forests on the hills from fires, 130 kilometre-long fire
lines have been constructed, besides 60 kilometre-long fire walls. A
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special squad carrying walkie talkies has been appointed to report
forest fires, facilitating immediate action
Development of areas adjoining the Holy Tirthas
One of the main objectives of the Haritha Project is the development
of areas around the important tirthas on the Tirumala Hills. 20,000
saplings have been planted in the premises of
S.V. Ruia Hospital, BIRRD, SVIMS and the Ayurveda Hospital.
Avenue plantation has been carried out on the Tirupati - Renigunta
road and Tirupati - Tiruchanoor road, covering a distance of 15
kilometres.
5.15 Climatic amelioration/Climate Change
The trees will balance the excessive heat generated by:
a) Floating Population,
b) Vehicle Movements,
c) Solar radiation.
Deciduous trees will provide summer shades and deciduous vines act
as passive solar collector walls preventing excessive heat in summer
in winter the loss of their leaves will results in pleasant warming effect
of increased solar radiation. At nights tree canopies will slow down
the loss of heat from city surface providing a screen between the
cooler night air and warm surface material.
Also it suggested that the regional development plan for
Tirumala/Tirupati include a Climate Change Mitigation Strategy.
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5.16 Water-recycling and rain water conservation
In view of the large number pilgrims and floating population, there is
water scarcity in Tirumala which becomes acute in the summer
months when the pilgrim rush is at peak. Tirumala does not have
reliable sources on it’s own and has to depend upon Papanasanam
and Kalyani Reservoirs. To augment the water supply, teher is every
need for conserving water and recycling grey water which if planned
and executed effectively could result in at least 50% water
augmentation. For this water harvesting structures within Tirumala
Complex need to be identified. As being done in other parts of the
State, Rain water harvesting pits at the rate of one for every 50 s m
site area need to be constructed for built up areas and these properly
connected to sump and pumped and used for non-drinking purposes.
Apart from these check dams and ponds need to be identified and
constructed so as to intercept and harvest every drop of water run-off
through rains or otherwise.
Natural check barriers and pits need to be constructed along all
natural drains to harvest water and use for landscape and
trees/shrubs watering purposes.
No water shall be let out of Tirumala. The sewage treatment plant
treated water should be similarly recycled for public toilets flushing
and landscape and trees/shrubs watering purposes.
For the above conservation purposes, a separate Cell would be
required to be constituted with outside expertise taken on contract
basis so as to sustain and maintain the above measures.
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5.17 Disaster Management Plan
It may be said that it is really God’s grace that in spite of such heavy
rush especially during the festivals, no major disaster or accident has
taken place. There have been accidents especially on the Ghat
Roads but the percentage is very low. The day by day increase in the
rush may lead to accidents. The present hospital has some
arrangements to meet the emergencies. it is proposed that the
management should have special arrangements of fire fighting inside
and outside the temple. The ambulance and well-trained
medical/para medical staff should be available all 24 hrs to meet any
emergency. The TTD staff responsible to regulate and control the
pilgrims should be well trained to take preventive actions and to
contain the damage due to disasters. It is suggested that a full
fledged Disaster Management Plan be prepared for Tirumala keeping
in view the whole Tirupati region.
5.18 Monitoring and Regulation
Basing on the various proposals given and suggested pilgrim travel
movement structure, there would be necessity for integrating the
same with the darshan facilities and procedure and accounting
for/numbering these so as to have an idea of number of pilgrims
having darshan at a given point of time. Every pilgrim coming to
Tirumala need to be numbered and accounted for. For watch and
ward staff/personnel a similar system of numbering for stay and
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darshan could be worked out. This would be helpful in regulating the
transportation requirements, accommodation requirements and
spacing the lots of pilgrims and meeting their internal transit through
LRTS (on a need based requirement apart from the stated
frequencies of trains)
It is suggested that a state of the art numbering, queuing, and
accreditation, monitoring and security system be developed
to ensure that no unpleasant situation arises due to any man
made or natural mishaps. The system should be people
friendly and conformable for all users and should add value
to the scared & bliss-full experience for the pilgrim
Transportation Facilities Enhancement
A full-fledged Monitoring and Evaluation System(M&E) be
created through a special committee of internal staff and
external experts to ensure quality standards. Achieving
world class standards and certification like ISO may be
explored seriously
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CHAPTER 6 PROJECTISATION
OF SRI VARI MASTER PLAN
PROPOSALS 6.1 Implementation
The earlier chapters have identified key issues in planning for
Tirumala and have also highlighted the need for preparation of a long
term Master Plan for Tirumala.
However, for translating the Master Plan proposals into
implementable actions, this chapter translates the same into projects
so as to ensure tangible actions and results.
The proposals range from physical changes, improvements,
beautification, infrastructure improvement, aesthetic improvement to
improvement in the overall pilgrim management.
It is also underlined that all proposals should be as per the ‘Agama
Shastra’ and ‘Vaastu Shatra’.
6.2 Summary of Projects
A total of 38 projects (59 tasks) have been proposed and each
project is described briefly with broad estimated/projected costs.
The TTD needs to be ensure that each project is worked out in
detail as per the requirements of Tirumala and tendered out
accordingly.
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This document is aimed at facilitating the projectised
implementation of a series of measures within the broad
framework of an integrated master plan thus enabling overall
improvement of the Tirumala. The objectives once achieved will
also assist in moving towards a sustainable Tirumala.
Projects at a glance
Project Numbers: 6.6.1 to 6.6.38
Task Numbers: 1 to 59
Time period of implementation: 18 years (2012-2030)
Total number of projects : 36 projects (58 tasks) Total
estimated cost : Rs 6000 Crores
The proposals are categorized into four major components namely:
1. Infrastructure facilities enhancement:
2. Transportation Facilities Enhancement
3. Quality of space enhancement
4. Pilgrim Movement and Darshan Management (PMDM)
improvement
A detailed list with brief description and guiding principles are
given below in this chapter. TTD needs to comprehensively review
these proposals and integrated them into one single Master Plan
Implementation initiative.
All projects need to implement in the following two steps:
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6.3 Way Forward
The following steps are suggested for TTD to go forward.
(i) Appoint a ‘Planning and Coordination team’ consisting of
Town Planners, Architects, Engineers, Urban Designer,
Conservation Specialists.
(ii) Detailed Project Reports for each item.
(iii) Calling for tenders and getting these projects executed.
(iv) Monitoring and Evaluation Team
(v) All projects would need to the thoroughly evaluated from the
environment point of view and would be subject to requisite
environment clearance.
(vi) TTD can evaluate and decide on consolidating various
related projects/tasks into a packages for which detailed
TORs would need to be developed.
6.4 Phasing:
TTD would need to prioritize all projects as per its needs and
financial considerations
6.5 Institutional Mechanism
(i) Create a Master Plan Implementation Unit with
(ii) Consisting of a Town Planning Cell which will report to the
TTD CEO
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6.6 Summary of Projects
Infrastructure facilities enhancement
6.6.1 Task No. 1: Enhancing the power requirements for
Tirumala and Tirupati through durable, renewable and
non-polluting resources-Use of wind energy.
Objective
Harnessing wind energy resources generating at-least 20 MW
power through installation of two innovative windmills of 10 MW
each.
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Background
This innovation can harness environmental friendly energy which is
otherwise going waste. It can also benefit by way of carbon credits as
well.
Wind energy is a free, renewable resource, clean, non-
polluting, electricity source.
Every year, wind produces only a small amount of the electricity
this country uses, but the amount is growing every year. One
reason wind farms don’t produce more electricity is that they
can only run when the wind is blowing at certain speed. In most
places with wind farms, the wind is only optimum for producing
electricity about three-fourths of the time.
Need for new renewable energy sources which can produce
maximum output, so that conventional energy resources can be
protected.
This may be taken up as a pilot project by TTD with two
windmills of 10 MW each installed at Kakulakonda and if found
successful and durable, go in for further modular expansion to
meet the power requirements in other areas as well.
If found feasible then it is suggested that use of wind generated
energy be explored for proposed LRTS/Guided Bus System
and also supplying in part for Tirupati and Renigunta towns.
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Proposal
Innovative Wind Mill
1. Very simple, easy to erect, simple to dismantle.
2. This New innovative wind mill can be set up in continuous rows
with each row covering entire breadth of the wind farm and
subsequent rows of higher height as compared to previous row,
where as present wind mills need huge space in all direction
between two wind mills.
3. This new innovative small wind mill would have exposure of
only 30m x 30 m and can generate 63 MW of power.
4. This new innovative wind mill can be shifted easily to other wind
farm where wind is available in rotations like May to September
in one wind farm and from Nov to March in other wind farm.
5. This new innovative wind mill can generate more energy/year
as compared to present wind mills since it can be shifted to
places according to its wind situations.
6. This new innovative wind mill can expose huge surfaces to
wind, in length, breadth as well as in height, which is not
possible by present technology of Fan type wind mill (which can
generate maximum of 5 MW of energy that too at 400 ft height.
7. The present fan type wind mills cost appx. Rs. 6.5 crores to Rs.
7 crores per MW whereas this new innovative wind mill
technology costs much lower.
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No foundations are required for new wind mill as only
floor of the size of wind mill is required for easy
maneuverability.
No automatic controls are required as everything is
ground based and everything can be controlled from
ground only.
There is no limitation in sizes as huge blades can be
exposed to utilize all available wind energy as available in
any wind farm up to height which is possible humanly.
The other feature which are far superior to present wind
mills are concerning the utilization of wind energy
available in any wind farm with respect to utilization of
total wind energy available in entire length, breadth, and
height up to which the blades can be exposed.
This innovation technology can erect all blades neck to
neck in total breadth of wind farm with each subsequent
row at more height than previous row to utilize all the wind
energy available in any wind farm subject to the
limitations of engineering capabilities available at present
with respect to the height up to which we can extract
energy.
To begin with, under this patented technology, only the
windmill will be installed. No cabling or generator set or
any other attachments will be installed with the shaft i.e.
only rotors with structure to support the shaft for
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attachment along with floor, rail with wheels to rotate the
wind mill as per wind direction. The structure, blades,
shaft, floor with rails and wheels will cost Rs 37 lakh to
begin with. The other items can be attached once this
shows satisfactory results.
The wind speed required for present wind mills is about
40km /hour but our system will work even with 30-35 km
/hour wind speed.
Area requirements
The plot size required will be 20 ft x 20 ft for 20 ft wind mill and
100 ft x100ft for 100 ft high wind mill.
Total Area required is 20 acres.
Approximate cost
The cost of present wind mills cost around Rs 6.5 cr to Rs 7 cr
per MW but the proposed system will cost around Rs 5.5 cr to
Rs 6 cr per MW
Estimated time for completion: 3 months
6.6.2 Task No. 2: Enhancing the power requirements for
Tirumala and Tirupati through durable, renewable and
non-polluting resources-Use of Solar energy.
Objective
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Harnessing solar energy resources generating at-least 10 MW
power through installation of solar farm.
Background
This innovation can harness environmental friendly energy
which is otherwise going waste. It can also benefit by way of
carbon credits as well.
Solar energy is a completely renewable resource. This
means that even when we cannot make use of the sun’s
power because of nighttime or cloudy and stormy days, we
can always rely on the sun showing up the very next day as
a constant and consistent power source.
Solar cells make absolutely no noise at all.
Solar energy creates absolutely no pollution. This is
perhaps the most important advantage that makes solar
energy so much more practical.
Very little maintenance is required to keep solar cells
running. There are no moving parts in a solar cell, which
makes it impossible to really hurt them. Solar cells tend to
last a good long time with only an annual cleaning to worry
about.
Solar panels and solar lighting may seem quite expensive
when you first purchase it, but in the long run you will find
yourself saving quite a great deal of money.
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Solar powered panels and products are typically extremely
easy to install. Wires, cords and power sources are not
needed at all, making this an easy prospect to employ.
Solar power technology is improving consistently over time,
as people begin to understand all of the benefits offered by
this incredible technology. As our oil reserves decline, it is
important for us to turn to alternative sources for energy.
Over the last few years solar power is also getting
affordable.
Proposal
Installation of a Solar Farm on the hill side of Tirumala of near
the foothills with least damage to the natural forests.
Area requirements: Around 50 acres. (Approximately 5 acres
per MW)
Approximate cost: It is estimated that this will cost around Rs
50 Crores.
Estimated time for completion: 6 months
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6.6.3 Task No. 3: Development of a Comprehensive Water
Supply System for Tirumala
Objective:
To improve and upgrade the existing system and develop a
new system of water treatment and supply for Tirumala keeping
in view the current and future situation.
Proposal
With the increase in the number of pilgrims there will be an
increased pressure on the water supply system.
It is suggested that the total water supply system be revamped
keeping in view the current requirements and planned for two
alternatives.
Stage 1 work would involve preparation of DPR which would
include detailed analysis of existing system, integration with
future scenarios as per projections, proposing new systems and
quality control and management systems for the future.
Stage 2 work would involve implementation as per approved
DPR
Scenario 1: Continue with existing system in which the pilgrims
continue to increase. Total resident population on hill top
remains constant
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Scenario 2: Plan for a decentralised management system in
which there is a slight reduction in resident population of around
50%. Number of floating pilgrims increase steadily over the
years.
Please refer development projections section of proposal for details.
Area requirements: Around 5 acres for various utilities and
facilities.
Approximate cost:
It is estimated that this will cost around Rs 100 Crores for
scenario 1 and Rs 25 Crores for Scenario 2
Estimated time for completion: 6 months
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6.6.4 Task No. 4: Development of a Comprehensive Sewerage
System for Tirumala
Objective:
To improve and upgrade the existing system and develop a
new system including treatment for Tirumala keeping in view
the current and future situation.
Proposal
With the increase in the number of pilgrims there will be an
increased pressure on the sewerage system.
It is suggested that the total sewerage system be revamped
keeping in view the current requirements and planned for two
alternatives.
Stage 1 work would involve preparation of DPR which would
include detailed analysis of existing system, integration with
future scenarios as per projections, proposing new systems and
quality control and management systems for the future.
Stage 2 work would involve implementation as per approved
DPR
Scenario 1: Continue with existing system in which the pilgrims
continue to increase. Total resident population on hill top
remains constant
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Scenario 2: Plan for a decentralised management system in
which there is a slight reduction in resident population of around
50%. Number of floating pilgrims would increase steadily over
the years.
Please refer development projections section of proposal for details.
Area requirements: Around 5 acres for various utilities and
facilities.
Approximate cost:
It is estimated that this will cost around Rs 100 Crores for
scenario 1 and Rs 25 Crores for Scenario 2
Estimated time for completion: 6 months
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6.6.5 Task No. 5: Development of a Comprehensive Solid Waste
Management System for Tirumala
Objective:
To improve and upgrade the existing system and develop a
new system including treatment for Tirumala keeping in view
the current and future situation.
Proposal
With the increase in the number of pilgrims there will be an
increased pressure for managing the solid waste generated.
It is suggested that the total solid waste management system
be revamped keeping in view the current requirements and
planned for two alternatives.
Stage 1 work would involve preparation of DPR which would
include detailed analysis of existing system, integration with
future scenarios as per projections, proposing new systems and
quality control and management systems for the future.
Stage 2 work would involve implementation as per approved
DPR
Scenario 1: Continue with existing system in which the pilgrims
continue to increase. Total resident population on hill top
remains constant.
Scenario 2: Plan for a decentralised management system in
which there is a slight reduction in resident population of around
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50%. Number of floating pilgrims would increase steadily over
the years.
Please refer development projections section of proposal for
details.
Area requirements: Around 5 acres for various utilities and
facilities.
Approximate cost:
It is estimated that this will cost around Rs 25 Crores for
scenario 1 and Rs 5 Crores for Scenario 2
Estimated time for completion: 3 months
6.6.6 Task No. 6: Development of a Comprehensive Storm Water
Management System for Tirumala
Objective:
To improve and upgrade the existing system and develop a
new system including treatment for Tirumala keeping in view
the current and future situation.
Proposal
Although storm water is not a major current problem it is
proposed that this aspects be reviewed comprehensively and
importantly the focusing on rain water harvesting and recycling.
It is suggested that the total storm water management system
be revamped keeping in view the current requirements and
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planned for two alternatives with special emphasis on rain
water harvesting and recycling.
Stage 1 work would involve preparation of DPR which would
include detailed analysis of existing system, integration with
future scenarios as per projections, proposing new systems and
quality control and management systems for the future.
Stage 2 work would involve implementation as per approved
DPR
Scenario 1: Continue with existing system in which the pilgrims
continue to increase. Total resident population on hill top
remains constant
Scenario 2: Plan for a decentralised management system in
which there is a slight reduction in resident population of around
50%. Number of floating pilgrims would increase steadily over
the years.
Please refer development projections section of proposal for
details.
Area requirements: Around 5 acres for various utilities and
facilities, rain water pits, sumps, recycling ponds etc.
Approximate cost:
It is estimated that this will cost around Rs 5 Crores.
Estimated time for completion: 3 months
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Transportation Facilities Enhancement
6.6.7 Development of Public Transport System –LRT/BRT from
Tirupati Town to Tirumala
It is suggested that a series of measures be undertaken to ensure
efficient and effective mass transit systems keeping in view the
current and future needs of the pilgrims at Tirumala.
External Connectivity
Two major routes are suggested for road as well as rail based
approach to Tirumala
(i) The LRTS/Guided Bus System should be extended from
Srinivas Mangapuram till Alimellu Mangapuram at Tirchanur
through a straight alignment through outskirts of Tirupati along
the existing main road (new highway).
(ii) From Tiruchanur, the LRTS/Guided Bus System should be
extended to Alipiri via main Tirupati city i.e., south point of
Tirupati Railway station in Tirupati.
For implementation, operation and maintenance of the above LRTS
/Guided Bus Transit System Project, a separate SPV would be
required to be constituted with TTD, APSRTC and the LRTS/Guided
bus operator as equal partners.
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The whole project may be divided into Phase I and Phase II.
6.6.7.1 Task No. 7: Light Rail Transit System / Guided Bus
Transit System:
6.6.7.2 Task No. 8: Station and Terminal Development
These shall consist of narrow-guage (similar to one in
operation in Ooty) along 2 routes (alternatively a guided bus
transit system) , viz., Srinivasa Mangapuram to Tirumala
Route (via Sri vari Mettu ) and Renigunta –Tirumala route
(via Dhodlamitta and valley to Papanasanam road)
The LRTS RoW shall be 9 m (30 ft.) –for enabling the 2
tracks in, one in each direction, with station halts spaced at
300 meters apart. The coaches shall be semi-open type to
facilitate quick ingress and egress with ample luggage
storage etc. In case of guided bus transit system, it shall be
special buses with mainly standing type with a capacity of
300 per bus.
Operational speed 40-50 km per hour and frequency of 5
mnts at peak hours and 15 minutes at non-peak hours.
The light rail train/Guided Bus system should be one well-
designed and managed circulation circuit. This would do a
whole lot of good to the main town of Tirupati and it’s
economy too (by way of contribution of share of revenue to
the civic body and TUDA by TTD since it impacts this town.
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Even the initial capital cost is heavy it is still worth it and
justifies the volumes of passengers ridership.
Area requirements:
Alignment Length: Total 64 kms
Phase I: 35 kms
o Route 1 : Renigunta Line: Dodhlamitta Jn to
Torumala hll top through forest area as per viable
alignment: 23 Kms
o Route 2 : Srinivas Mangapuram Line: Tirumala to
Srinivasa mangapuram along Srivari Mettu side
upto Srinivasa mangapuram Jn: 12 Kms
Phase II: 29 kms
o Extension of Route 2: Srinivas Mangapuram Jn to
Alivelu Mangapuram/Trichanur: 14 kms
o Route 3 : Dodhlamitta Chandragiri Bypass road
along Tirupati Rly Stn south side: 15 Kms
Stations within Tirumala: Total area: 20000 sqmtrs (5 Acres)
10 in nos: Area per station required is 2000 sq mtrs per
station:
Stations within Tirupati:
10 in nos: Area per station required is 2000 sq mtrs per
station:
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Terminals/Depots/maintenance centres: Total 50 Acres
5 Acres in Tirumala Hilltop Side
20 Acres in Renigunta Side
20 Acres in Srinivas Mangapuram side
Approximate cost:
LRT: 6500 Crores
Phase I Alignment (main connectivity between Tirupati
and Tirumala): 35 kms: 3500 crores
Phase I Station and Terminal Development: 10 nos,
Estimated Cost: Rs 50 Crores.
Phase II(Extension and Integration with rest of Tirupati
City): 29 kms: 2900 crores
Phase II Station and Terminal Development: 10 nos,
Estimated Cost: Rs 50 Crores.
BRT: 3250 Crores
Phase I Alignment (main connectivity between Tirupati
and Tirumala): 35 kms: 1750 crores
Phase I Station and Terminal Development: 10 nos,
Estimated Cost: Rs 25 Crores.
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Phase II(Extension and Integration with rest of Tirupati
City): 29 kms: 1450 crores
Phase II Station and Terminal Development: 10 nos,
Estimated Cost: Rs 25 Crores.
Estimated time for completion: 36 months
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6.6.8 Improving the overall connectivity to Tirumala.
6.6.8.1 Task No. 9: Development and Improvement of Srivari
Mettu
6.6.8.2 Task No. 10: Development of road connectivity between
Tirupati and Tirumala
6.6.8.3 Task No. 11: Development of road connectivity in within
Tirupati Town
6.6.8.4 Task No. 12: Development of road connectivity in the
Tirupati Region.
Approximate cost:
Estimated time for completion: 36 months
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6.4.1.1
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6.6.9 Development of internal roads (Arterial and Sub arterial) for
Tirumala
Objective
To ensure seamless circulation of traffic and pilgrims
Internal transportation
Vehicular traffic movement should not be allowed within/inside
the entire Peripheral road except along the identified east-West
Arterial road connecting Balajinagar, Garuda Circle, Lepakshi
Museum, Coffee Board Canteen, SNC and Sanku Mita Road.
Inside the peripheral road i.e., in North and South Zone
Precincts, movement will be restricted through the following
means:
(a) Pollution free public transport buses will run in clockwise
and anti clock wise direction continuously touching all important
places and areas along the peripheral road.
(b) Battery-operated 8-seater vehicles which would be
available at specified points including the 10 Nodal Amenities
complex
(c) Pedestrian Walkways: Wide footpaths are proposed on
one side of the roads/streets to cater to the large number of
walkers. The smaller footpath on the other side is proposed as
a infrastructure corridor and to provide buffer to the building.
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6.6.9.1 Task No. 13: 100 ft wide peripheral Ring road at
Tirumala
This peripheral Ring road is suggested to contain the vehicular
traffic movement within Tirumala for the purpose of safety,
traffic control, pilgrim movement control and above-all
enhancing the environment at Tirumala.
The alignment is shorter, consisting of strengthening the
existing roads and construction of only about 2.4 km of new
formation. This peripheral road is suggested to contain the
vehicular traffic movement within Tirumala for the purpose of
safety, traffic control, pilgrim movement control and above-all
enhancing the environment at Tirumala.
Total length: 4.48 km.
Existing roads strengthening: 2.48 km.
Proposed new links: 2.4 km.
The alignment suggested is as follows: (Clock-wise direction)
Point-A: Starting from Point (A) along the Tirupati-Tirumala
main road which is about 500 meters before the main Toll Gate
Arch. Takes left – new formation till Sannidhanam Guest House
Complex to join the outer-most semi-circular road of
Garudadadri Nagar.Then alignment follows the semi-circular
road till HVDC Enquiry Building-then goes parallel to 2nd semi-
circular road (this is a new formation) till point before junction of
2nd semi-circular road.
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From here it follows existing Annamayya Bhavan road and
goes towards Ashwini Hospital Junction. From Ashiwini
Hospital Junction it goes left along existing road via Vishnu
Nilayam and Sri Lakshmi Nilayam. Here after Sri Lakshmi
Nilayam, the alignment is slightly smoothened and goes by side
of Sriniketan and side of Balaji Guest House to intercept the
Sanku Mitta Road and goes along existing road going to
Anand Alwar Tank Junction and from there all-along the
existing road via Q-Complex, S V Museum, Sringeri Shankar
Math, Mysore Choultry, Khasi math, Vijaya Bank, Officers
Quarters ‘A’ type, Varahaswamy Guest House II till
Papanasanam Road Junction.
-From Papanasanam Road Junction new alignment is proposed
via South of GG Dham Treatment Plant and theh takinga south
direction curve and passing outside Type ‘B’ and Type ‘D’
Quarters to join existing road near S V High School at Point E.
-From Point E again a new alignment passing in between
Police Quarters and Balaji Nagar and then going east of
Kausthambam Guest House and again straight down adjoining
‘F’ Type Quarters till Point ‘G’.
From Point ‘G’ the alignment goes along the foothills towards
west to meet the point adjoining APSRTC Tirumala Bus depot
and then straight down to meet near Petrol Pump and then to
Toll Gate Circle and the existing Tirupati-Tirumala Road and to
the starting Point ‘A’(before the Ghat road).
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Peripheral Road: Consisting of 2 lanes divided carriage way on either
side, pedestrian walkways of 9 ft on either end sides, 8 ft. green strip
between pedestrian walkway and parking lanes, Parking lanes (kerb-
side parking) of 9 ft. on either side.
Approximate cost:
It is estimated that this will cost around Rs 5 Crore.
Estimated time for completion: 3 months
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6.6.9.2 Task No. 14: 80 ft wide Main Arterial Road at Tirumala
6.6.9.3 Task No. 15: 60 ft wide main roads at Tirumala
With 30 ft. pedestrian way and space for a 2-lane battery operated
vehicle and a 7 feet greenery in between the pedestrian walkway and
the Battery operated vehicle lanes.
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6.6.9.4 Task No. 16: Local roads 1: 40 ft. wide roads
Objective
Vehicular movement within Tirumala may be regulated by
restriction of movement, viz. Terminating all vehicles outside
the 100 ft wide Peripheral Ring road and have all transit-
oriented facilities on the outer-side of this 100 ft wide Peripheral
ring road. Inside the Peripheral ring road, making it
pedestrainized (allowing only battery operated mini
buses/vehicles on specified roads) –making it vehicle-free
zone.
Proposal
Vehicular traffic movement will not be allowed within/inside the
entire Peripheral ring road except along the identified east-West
Arterial road connecting Balajinagar, Garuda Circle, Lepakshi
Museum, Coffee Board Canteen, SNC and Sanku Mita Road.
Inside the peripheral ring road i.e., in North and South Zone
Precincts, movement will be restricted through the following
means:
Pedestrian Walkways
The 2 LRTS Routes
Battery-operated 8-seater vehicles which would be
available at specified points including the 10 Nodal
Amenities complex
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6.6.9.5 Task No. 17: Local roads 2: 30 ft. wide roads
With a 15 ft. Pedestrian walkway and 15 ft Battery operated lanes
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6.6.9.6 Task No. 18: Internal Streets 20 ft. wide streets
With a 10 ft. Pedestrian walkway and 10 ft Battery operated lanes
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Area requirements:
Approximate cost:
Estimated time for completion: 36 months
6.6.10 Development of pedestrian facilities at Tirumala
6.6.10.1 Task No. 19: Pedestrian Paths
Area all round the temple, Commercial retail shopping near Kalyan
Katta is made vehicle free. Pilgrims will be able to reach temple and
the central commercial area on foot from any point within the inner
circle. Each and every corner of the town will be within walkable
distance from Public Transport System.
6.6.10.2 Task No. 20: Pedestrian Plaza at TET
6.6.10.3 Task No. 21: Walkalators
Area requirements:
Approximate cost:
Estimated time for completion: 12 months
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6.6.11 Development of parking facilities at Tirumala
6.6.11.1 Task No. 22: Onstreet Parking
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6.6.12 Task No. 23: Off-street Parking/Parking Lots
(i) All round the vehicle free central precinct will are provided
with sufficient parking place.
(ii) Parking spaces will be provided near all public buildings
(iii) Central Parking Tirumala Entry Terminal (TET)-dovetailed
with TET project.
(iv) Within residential area off street parking will be available
in small lots.
Area requirements:
Approximate cost:
Estimated time for completion: months
6.6.13 Task No. 24: Design and Development of street furniture
Tirumala.
Area requirements:
Approximate cost:
Estimated time for completion: 6 months
6.6.14 Task No. 25: Development of Eco friendly Transportation
for Tirumala
Stage 1 work would involve preparation of DPR which would
include detailed analysis of existing system, integration with future
scenarios as per projections, proposing new systems and quality
control and management systems for the future.
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Stage 2 work would involve implementation as per approved DPR
Quality of space enhancement
6.6.15 Task No. 26: Overall Urban Design and Aesthetics
Improvement.
Including barrier free design proposals to be integrated into the
development planning and implementation
Creation and Treatment of public spaces, Building facades, Inter-
connectivity between buildings, visitor experience, reuse and
redevelopment of existing buildings, creation of open spaces from
the existing built up fabric of Tirumala.
Approximate cost:
6.6.16 Task No. 27: Heritage and Building Conservation
Conservation of heritage buildings and precincts
.Conservation of art and culture
Approximate cost:
6.6.17 Landscape enhancement of Tirumala
6.6.17.1 Task No. 28: Zone 1 within Wall 1: 150 mtrs
6.6.17.2 Task No. 29: Zone 2 within Wall 2: 250 mtrs
6.6.17.3 Task No. 30: Other Areas
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6.6.18 Task No. 31: Concept plan and technical report on options
for reuse of buildings at Tirumala
6.6.19 Task No. 32: Heritage Conservation and Building
preservation
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6.6.20 Task No. 33: Heritage Museum and Gallery at Tirumala.
(Expansion of existing facility)
6.6.21 Task No. 34: Arts & Cultural University at Tirumala.
(Expansion of existing facility)
6.6.22 Task No. 35: Forest Conservation in Tirumala Hills
6.6.23 Task No. 36: Climate Change and Mitigation Study for
Tirumala Tirupati Region
6.6.24 Task No. 37: Biodiversity Study of Tirumala Tirupati
Region
6.6.25 Task No. 38: Biodiversity Study of Tirumala Tirupati
Region
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Pilgrim Movement Darshan Management Improvement
6.6.26 Development of Central Facilitation Areas (CFCs)
6.6.26.1 Task No. 39: Tirupati City Central Facilitation Centre
(CFC) at Srinivasa Mangapuram.
6.6.26.2 Task No. 40: Alipiri City Central Facilitation Centre
(CFC) at: Alipiri
6.6.26.3 Task No. 41: Renigunta Town Central Facilitation
Centre at Dhodlamitta Jn
All these three locations and centres would be interlinked good
circulation network. Each CFC will be spread over an approximate
area of around 10 acres with ample parking and circulation areas,
amenities, administration offices, circulation lounge for pilgrims
ready to alight the transportation to Tirumala and also those
retuning back from the hilltop.
All these three locations and centres would be interlinked good
circulation network. These three CFCs shall have planned
townships catering to about 15,000 pilgrims per day. All these 6
townships shall be planned and developed with modern layout
planning with all facilities and stay and entertainment and of
course a central seva center.
All the three central seva centers and the main one at Tirumala hill
top would be interlinked by LAN Computer network.
Each and every pilgrim would have to register in any one of the
above 6 centers to get accreditation number and queue number.
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The total area requirement per CFC Complex is estimated to be
around 40 acres. Therefore a total of 600 acres need to be
identified spread across these six locations. The calculation is
done for buildings of Stilt +9 floors with 30% ground coverage with
the rest of the area left for parks, parking, play grounds/recreation,
public facilities and amenities, cultural centres etc.
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6.6.27 Task No. 42: Development of Base Residential Camps
(BRCs)
To be integrated at three locations along with CFC at 3 locations
Three locations for base camps are suggested:
1. Basecamp Cum CFC 1: Srinivasa Mangapuram
2. Basecamp Cum CFC 2: Alipiri
3. Basecamp Cum CFC 3: Dhodla mitta
At 3 locations these CFCs shall have base camps developed in the
form of planned townships catering to about 20,000 pilgrims per day
each thus taking care of around 60,000 pilgrims per day in total. All
these 3 townships shall be planned and developed with modern
layout planning with all facilities and stay and entertainment and of
course a central seva center.
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All the 3 Central Facilitation Centres (Seva Centers) and the main
one at Tirumala hill top would be interlinked by LAN Computer
network.
Each and every pilgrim would have to register in any one of the
above three centers to get accreditation number and queue number.
The total area requirement per CFC is estimated to be around 50
acres. Therefore a total of 600 acres need to be identified spread
across these three locations. The calculation is done for buildings of
Stilt +9 floors with 30% ground coverage with the rest of the area left
for parks, parking, play grounds/recreation, public facilities and
amenities, cultural centres etc.
6.6.28 Development of Integrated Tirumala Entry Terminal (TET)
Complex
It is suggested that TTD consider and Integrated Tirumala Entry
Terminal (TET) at the main entry/exit. This TET would function as a
full fledged arrival and departure lounge and should be able to
efficiently accommodate and manage the movement of around 5000
per sons per hour per day. This would mean that at a given period
around 10,000 pilgrims total would be transiting through this terminal
per hour. It is estimated that around that the total complex would
require around 40 acres and would accommodate the following
components:
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TET Complex components
vii) TET Block: Main terminal, CFC for direct pilgrims, Admn Office,
Amenities Centre, CCLC: 5 acre
viii) Parking Area: 10 acres
ix) BRT/LRT Stand terminal: 5 Acres
x) Public Plaza with fountains, trees, resting areas and
recreational space for pilgrims to relax before and after the
pilgrimage: 10 acres
xi) Arts and Cultural University: 5 Acres
xii) Heritage Museum and Interpretation Centre: 5 Acres
40 acres of land needs to be demarcated for this purpose which
would include the transit areas, security, ancillary activities and
management offices. This would include a large central plaza, open
congregation space of around 10 acres which would be integrated
with parks, cultural centre, dissemination centres etc.
The pilgrims would be able to spend time in these areas in comfort
and the space planning would ensure that there is no congestion or
risk of disaster.
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6.6.28.1 Task No. 43: TET Block: Main terminal, CFC for direct
pilgrims, Admn Office, Amenities Centre, CCLC: 5
acre
6.6.28.2 Task No. 44: Parking Area: 10 acres
6.6.28.3 Task No. 45: BRT/LRT Stand terminal: 5 Acres
6.6.28.4 Task No. 46: Public Plaza with fountains, trees,
resting areas and recreational space for pilgrims to
relax before and after the pilgrimage: 10 acres
6.6.28.5 Task No. 47: Arts and Cultural University: 5 Acres
6.6.28.6 Task No. 48: Heritage Museum and Interpretation
Centre: 5 Acres
6.6.29 Task No. 49: Development & management of Central
Logistics & Control Centre (CLCC)
Management system for CLCC (building to be part of TET
Complex)
6.6.30 Task No. 50: Improvement of Signage and directions
6.6.31 Demarcation of Inner and Outer Zone
(Part of the Pilgrim Movement and Darshan Management Plan -
PMDM)
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6.6.31.1 Task No. 51: Wall 1: Length 1.7 kms: Area
encompassed 39 Acres
6.6.31.2 Task No. 52: Wall 2 : 3. Kms; Area encompassed
125 Acres
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6.6.32 Task No. 53: Development of the Outer perimeter
Boundary Fence for Tirumala Includes Reserve forest,
dam, reservoir, wind towers: length 19.5 kms Area
encompassed 6450 Acres
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6.6.33 Task No. 54: Development of the Inner perimeter Boundary
Fence for Tirumala Hills (securing Habitable Area): length
10 kms, Area encompassed 865 Acres
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6.6.34 Task No. 55: Development of state of the art biometric
based security and monitoring system.
6.6.35 Task No. 56: Development of state of the art queuing and
accreditation system including software and
administration, overall software development system
6.6.36 Task No. 57: Development of Monitoring and Evaluation
System for Quality Control, International benchmarks like
ISO Certification system
6.6.37 Task No. 58: Development of state of the art security
agency for Tirumala
6.6.38 Task No. 59: Development of Efficient and Effective
Awareness Campaign
for new systems to be put in place.
New Modes of travel
Assisting TTD in upkeep of spiritual and natural pristine
environment of Tirumala
Cleanliness off public travel/public transport
Security systems